In our music seminar this last week we met with Leon Kuehner a retired band director for Hampton, Iowa. He is an At-Large member of the Executive Board of the Iowa Alliance for Arts Education (IAAE). He shared that we need to advocate for ourselves and our programs by doing a few things:
1. Create allies - We need to be in close relations with our fellow visual arts teachers, other music teachers, drama teachers, physical education, and others. You probably notice that these are (in the elementary setting) the "specials". We are the extra co-curricular courses in which students get to show a different side of themselves. We need to share interest in all areas and create allies through involvement and support of these other disciplines.
2. Be informed! - we need to constantly be informed of the business of the school. Leon suggested that we don't only keep ourselves informed, but inform others. Schedule a time to sit in on a school board meeting. We need to share our progress with the board and the community - this keeps the program's name out there.
3. Schedule time to speak with your principal - and not when something is wrong. If one only sees the principal when something is wrong then your visits are associated with negative thoughts. By scheduling a time one can share the good things that the program is doing. This reminds them of what's all going on - end with a thank you for your time. Build rapport!
Lastly, Leon shared a special for first year teachers. The IAAE wants to give you money! They will assist you with paying for conferences, professional development, pay for your sub when you're gone for these events, and many others. Attached in this entry is a link for the IAAE. Check this out and keep on keeping on!
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