President's Message, February 2019

I usually send out a message at the end of the month, but I’m just too excited to wait! Last Friday night I had the opportunity to attend Elizabeth (Lisa) Stuart Whitehead’s launch party in celebration of her second book, Using Art to Teach Writing Traits. Lisa and I have been friends and colleagues for many years now. On my drive home, I started to think about how cool it is to have a friend who is so successful - a published author, a great instructional leader, and so much more. I heART Lisa. Then I kept thinking….I really know a lot of art teachers who are amazing in their own special ways. I’m really blessed. Art teachers are awesome and I heART you all.

All this thinking gave me an idea...the February #heART_ED Challenge! Since Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, it seems like the perfect time to recognize the art educators in our lives who support us, inspire us, or just know when to bring cookies (or something stronger).

The challenge is simple: 7 posts in 7 days. Each day use your favorite social media platform and use #heART_ED. Give a shout out to an art educator you heART and tell us why. Then nominate that person to do the same.

Don’t forget to tag MAEA too! @MDartED