Live From Ft. Worth, It's the NAEA Convention!

It's 4:30am on Friday, the second day of the conference, and I'm wide awake.  I blame too much sweet tea...or maybe I'm just too excited to see what's going to happen today!

I do not wish to rub in anyone's faces that I'm here, but I feel it's important to share what insights I gain from attending such enriching professional development experiences.  If you were not able to attend, visit the art educators.org website to find presentation information and materials you may want to share with your district.  We always try our best to give what we can for those who wish to gain more insight for their lessons, but cannot afford to travel.  I hear you and I wish to help!

After flying here at 6:30 in the morning yesterday, we dropped off our bas at the hotel and quickly got to work with our schedules.

First on my list, Connecting the Common Core to the Next Generation Arts Standards.  IN this presentation, we learned about research that examined the parallels between artistic literacy and ELA literacy, as defined by the standards.  In essence, with the Visual arts standards not in completion as of yet, we are able to supplement our lessons with the current common core ELA and Math standards without "replacing" our own standards.  Sounds a bit confusing, but this is the direction to where we are headed!  It is always best to stay on top of what our standards are, and finding connections makes our curriculum that much more essential in your school's core subjects.  In other words, it makes you more important and recognized as a valued subject.

Next up, The Next Generation Arts Standards: The Arts at the Heart of Learning with Jay McTighe.  This large session introduced how the Next Generation Arts Standards project group is using the "Understanding by Design" framework to guide their work.  The session explored the key design elements in the standards (including lifelong transfer goals, enduring understandings, essential questions, and cornerstone tasks).

At every convention, I look out for little quirks that make that city unique.  I found my first one on the way to my first given presentation. A huge sculpture made with cowboy hats!

Next up, my first presentation with my colleagues from the NAEA Student Chapter.  From 2007-2012, I served on the presidential team for the NAEA Student Chapter, and since then, I have grown a close bond with Past Presidents who have served as well since 2000.  While we were in New York for our annual Past President breakfast, we discussed the idea to share our experiences since completing our presidency with attendees.  Our purpose was not to brag about our accomplishments, but to share what others can do once they enter a leadership role.

Out of all who presented, we've had two become national board certified (one is myself), quite a few who received state and national awards, two as doctoral candidates, one who was the President for his state association, others who are advisors for student teachers, and many, like me, who write for arts education publications!  It was a great joy to unite a legacy and share our insights with the attendees!

The vendors at the national convention are always overwhelming.  There's a gigantic room loaded with art education materials, and not enough time to visit each one.  I always make time to stop by my friends and suppliers for my classroom's art materials.  The vendors are always very friendly and more than willing to help answer any questions you may have on products for the art room.

Here's Triarco!  Terry is an amazing person to work with when you have questions about materials for your lessons.  Many vendors, including Triarco, have free lesson plans for you to take home with you and try in your classroom!

Dick Blick always have new lesson ideas you can make and take home!

Since I am halfway through my pregnancy, I needed to take my break, check in to the hotel, and eat.  We ended our first day with the annual Artisan's Gallery and TASK Party.  The Artisan's Gallery is for art educators to sell their own handmade works, jewelry, photography, prints, and crafts, while the TASK party (which has become a popular way to have a fun art party) was a crowded success!

Yes, that skull was a handmade work of art! I asked permission to take a picture because I was amazed with the detail!  I wish I could have been able to afford to buy it!!!!  The snake wrapping around the head was made with rope!

And what's a better way to end a first night?  A picture with a painted Native American!  If you are at the conference and reading this, PLEASE share your favorite sessions!  I'd love to hear from you!