NAEA Announces New Director of Learning and Program Development

The National Art Education Association (NAEA) welcomes Laura Grundler as the Director of Learning and Program Development, where she will lead programs that support and sustain art educators’ professional learning and leadership growth. Currently the visual arts coordinator for Plano Independent School District (ISD), Laura will officially begin her work as a member of NAEA staff on April 10, 2023. Laura’s 23-year journey as an educator includes teaching middle and high school art and educational leadership, both as an assistant principal and district fine arts administrator.

During her time at Plano ISD, Laura led teacher teams in redesigning curriculum for all levels of learners, implementing new technology standards for K–12 art, and redesigning art rooms throughout the district to meet the needs of arts instruction in the 21st century. Providing quality art education and fostering teacher unity during the challenges of recent years is an accomplishment of which she is tremendously proud. Most recently, Laura led the charge to create the Legacy Gallery at the Robinson Fine Arts Center—a museum-quality gallery space with the purpose of highlighting the outstanding work of student artists in the district.

In addition to her work within the school system is her creative collaboration with her husband, Matt Grundler, building a global professional learning network by cofounding the popular Twitter chat and podcast, K12ArtChat. Laura and Matt have consulted with and written for the Institute for Arts Integration and STEAM, Scholastic Art magazine, Adobe Edu, and Davis Publications.

“As I approach the role of Director of Learning and Program Development, I am humbled and excited to join an organization that has inspired me throughout my career and aligns so closely with my personal mission. Observation, inspiration, and determination define a foundation for success. To grow, it is essential to identify innovative approaches to professional learning and improve on solutions to organizational challenges. I believe introducing diverse perspectives and collaborative connections allow for this. NAEA’s vision, specifically ‘to educate and enrich the lives of all learners and communities, especially those who are members of historically marginalized groups’ aligns with my core beliefs. I look forward to supporting members in their professional growth that in turn will impact and empower the learners they serve.” —Laura Grundler

Laura will work in tandem with Dennis Inhulsen, NAEA Chief Learning Officer, until his retirement in June 2023.