NAEA President's Column: Summer 2023

Dearest NAEA Colleagues and Friends,

The end of the school year and beginning of summer present opportunities for reflection, revelry, and restoration. In my new role as NAEA’s President, I am mindful of the contributions and commitments of our community to support and further scholarship in visual arts, design, and media arts education for all learners. With a history in the classroom, as a school principal, university professor, scholar, and administrator, my life’s work has been anchored in arts education and surrounded by arts educators. Whether in classroom, university, or community spaces, I see you working tirelessly to design and implement a learner-centered curriculum; mentor the next generation of art educators and art connoisseurs; research, write about, and reflect upon current trends, strategies, and pedagogical implications; unpack works of art with the novice and the knowledgeable; and continue to show up for your communities, despite an ever-changing landscape.

Moreover, I am reminded of NAEA’s organizational values. I often draw upon them to encourage and remind me that an entire community is supporting me in the work that I do in my leadership role as NAEA President. You, too, have a community of more than 15,000 colleagues who believe in visual art’s transformative power and who believe in what you do.

NAEA is a community of, by, and for members. Our mission and vision ground us, and we aspire to evolve based on the needs and opportunities shared by our community. As a collaborative network, we strive to be welcoming, supportive, and encouraging through our actions, words, and relationships.

As we try to recharge and reconnect with friends and family this summer, I’m sending each of you my gratitude for your hard work and dedication to the field. The NAEA Board and I see You—and we support You! In the school year ahead, I am excited to collaborate with NAEA leaders and members to continue providing our community with tools that support learning, advocacy, research, community vibrancy, and equity.

Warmest regards,

Wanda B. Knight, NAEA President