Happy Thanksgiving!

Grateful!

I have so much to be grateful for this year! Taking time today to think about what Thanksgiving means to me, includes my work at the Maine Arts Commission (MAC). I feel so fortunate to work at MAC and to be doing the work that I do. I often say that I am exactly where I am meant to be, and today that rings more true than ever.

So, what I am grateful for? Let me share the ways…

• I am so very grateful for the work that visual and performing arts educators do to provide an excellent arts education for all students!

• I am grateful for the opportunity to visit schools and teachers and students of the arts across the state of Maine on a regular basis. (If I haven’t visited your school please don’t hesitate to invite me)!
• I am grateful for the Maine Arts Leadership Initiative and the collaborative spirit and willingness of teachers to step up and take on a leadership role – sharing their learning and knowledge in the name of Maine Arts Education.
• I am grateful that so many teachers and administrators completed the Maine Arts Education census survey so we could have data from 95% of Maine schools.
• I am grateful to live in Maine where in spite of daily challenges, the health of Maine Arts Education is in a really good place! In many school districts the arts are at the center of education and arts teachers are leading the proficiency based education work that is underway. The census has shown us that almost all schools in the state offer at least one arts discipline for learners.
• I am grateful that so many visual and performing arts educators are committed to always moving forward and participating in professional development to expand and build on their knowledge.
• I am grateful that the student is at the heart of visual and performing arts education.
• I am grateful for this blog and list-serv so I can communicate with you and learn about the outstanding work you do every day for all Maine learners and learners throughout the country.
• I am grateful that you’ve put your trust in me!

Best wishes for a very happy Thanksgiving, wherever you may be today! Thank you for everything that you do to provide an excellent arts education and access to it for every learner!