Teacher Tips
The Trifecta of Successful Arts Advocacy
By Matt Harbourt, Art Teacher
George Ellery Hale Middle School
Woodland Hills, CA
The trifecta of any successful art endeavor is uniting the community, parents, and school for the common interest of enriching students in arts education.
As a first year teacher, I have been pleasantly surprised by the level of support I received from the community. Within my first month, the City of Calabasas contacted me about organizing an art contest to illustrate a calendar. Two of my students had their work selected, so when copies of the calendar arrived at our school, the staff took notice.
In addition to art contests, putting together an art show at your school or in your community is another option for gaining support for the arts. The Arts in Education Aid Council (AIEAC) puts together a gallery show displaying student work from several schools in the community. Through my relationship with AIEAC, our school partnered with Glencoe/McGraw-Hill to exhibit another student art show along with an art career presentation for students and parents.
Partnering with well known organizations also gives schools global recognition in the arts. Our school participated in "World Kids Coloring Day" organized by STAEDTLER. They sponsored a silent auction of student artwork at our school. This fundraising event gave students an opportunity to learn the meaning of giving to others through art. Students made the newspaper and all proceeds were given to the Save the Children Foundation.
Why Advocacy for Art?
By Jackie Ellett, Ed. S. in Art Education
Duncan Creek Elementary
Gwinnett County
Hoschton, GA
How do we advocate our art programs and why?
Fine arts programs are often looked at as an "extra" within our schools, not as core subjects.
So what does this mean for those of us in the classroom?
It means we must educate beyond our students and teach our peers, parents, administrators, and the community about the work that we do in our classrooms.
One way to start is by teaching what it is that the arts do teach, and that is to think. Art students learn critical thinking skills which allow them to solve problems outside of the art room. In his book, The Arts and the Creation of Mind, Elliot Eisner offers us an array of examples on how art develops and refines various forms of thinking. The thinking and learning that takes place within the art room transcends into our daily experiences in and outside of school. This book is an excellent resource and a "must read" for all art educators.
There are also many ways to advocate your programs at the local level; community and school exhibits, having an "arts" day at your school, inviting parents, business leaders and local politicians into your classroom to learn an art lesson taught by your students, sending home "art notes" about happenings in the art room.
Being an active member of your professional organization, such as the National Art Education Association and your state association, and being aware of local and state laws that effect education keep you informed of legislation and research in the field.
Though you may think you cannot make a difference, no one can promote your program better than you.
Advocacy: Flourishing in Tough Times
By Carol Dissmeyer
Music Department Chair and Choral Educator
Perry Hall High School
Nottingham, Maryland
I advocate with great zeal on behalf of a thriving music program that serves more than one thousand students! As funding and staffing decrease-and NCLB, standardized testing, and scheduling issues increase-music programs can no longer "sell" themselves. Actively marketing our program to students, parents, faculty, administrators, and the general public is crucial to our sustainability.
Some suggestions for marketing a music program include:
- Maintaining an up-to-date website.
- Performing frequently in the community.
- Establishing a parental music Booster organization.
- Displaying posters advertising Music In Our Schools Month (MIOSM), school-wide contests, morning announcements, and performance.
- Creating a music department DVD to be played at school functions and as part of recruitment efforts.
- Publicizing student accomplishments, such as all-state, solo, and ensemble performances and adjudications and scholarships.
- Continually meeting with music colleagues to develop and share a vision for your music program.
- Striving for local, state, and national recognition connected to prestigious performance venues.
- Building relationships and earning respect from your administration.
- Providing live music at inductions, sporting events, theatre performances, and visual art shows.
- Educating administrators to the positive effects of music education on test scores.
These are ways our department advocates for support among current, prospective, and former students and faculty, the administration, and the community. Through active advocacy, people become aware of the benefits we provide and we continue to garner support for our music program.
Advocacy: Success through Relationships!
By Diane Penny
Vocal, Orchestral, and General Music Educator
Monticello High School
Charlottesville, Virginia
Advocacy involves relationships. Focus on student success by making and building relationships with others. If you are teaching part-time or creating a program, connect with:
Students—They share you. Be sure to:
- Change things slowly.
- Listen to and learn about students' interests and musical tastes.
- Be available before and after school.
- Involve alumni.
Administration—They decide about you. Keep in mind:
- Smile!
- Listen!
- Ask only when you need.
- Be visible everywhere.
School Staff—They support you. You can:
- Learn and use individuals' names.
- Feature staff at student concerts.
- Have students perform for staff birthdays.
- Have students perform during lunch preparation.
Parents—You are a part of their family, so:
- Communicate regularly, openly, and in a timely fashion.
- Engage parents in the school.
- Feature articles on parents' musical experiences.
- Value parents strengths.
Community—You connect generations. Don't forget opportunities to:
- Perform the National Anthem at community events.
- Keep the community informed of your program's performances.
- Perform at seasonal and historical events.
- Become a "regular" at community events.