Making a Difference…One Day at a Time

What a difference a week makes! In mid April many members of PAEA were in Colorado enjoying the NAEA Convention in the city of Denver. Most of us northeasterners packed for the anticipated weather of what we thought would be “yet to be springtime in the Rockies.” We were pleasantly surprised to enjoy beautiful sunny days with very warm temperatures. Our winter coats only saw the light of day to return to the airport. One week later that region was engulfed in a major late season snowstorm with road closures and the like, much like we have been use to in Pennsylvania this entire winter. What a difference a few days make.

The convention was a successful one during which many Pennsylvanians made a difference or shared the differences they are making everyday. Pennsylvania continues to be a leader in art education in this nation. We value our accomplishments, know our history, and do not rest on the successes of the past. Pennsylvania art teachers are visionaries looking toward and more importantly working toward tomorrow,

President-elect Randy Granger and myself were very honored to represent Pennsylvania in the NAEA Delegates Assembly. This arm of the NAEA structure has made progress over the past few years. Much was accomplished which hopefully will come to fruition over the next few months. We thank Dr, Michael Parks for his leadership of the eastern region over the past two years. Team East, of which PA is a proud member, has made a difference up and down the Northeast influencing art education in this region.

PAEA brought back an old tradition of presenting a Pennsylvania reception at the convention. It was a great success bringing together Pennsylvanians, past residents of the state, and individuals who have interest in the Commonwealth. It was an event that made a difference.

I had the distinct pleasure of being approached by several individuals throughout the convention. They wanted me to know that PA is making a difference in their professional lives. They share comments like “ I know that if I go to a presentation put on by a person from Pennsylvania it will be high quality, well delivered, and useful information. You should be proud of your members.” Indeed I am. Thank you to the several dozen PAEA members who made presentations and made a difference.

Pennsylvania based Binney & Smith (the Crayola people) especially Past President Ron DeLong went above and beyond making a difference at the convention. The Binney & Smith opening evening event was exceptional! Good music, good food, fun activities, a focus on children’s art, and high quality art education were hallmarks of the event. Thank you Binney & Smith for making a difference within our state, nationally, and internationally.

There are many other individuals who made a difference at the convention. I cannot mention them all but I will highlight a few. Student Representative Jeff Shreck of Kutztown University made wonderful accomplishments with the PAEA student chapter. He made national connections, which will make a difference in the upcoming year for students in Pennsylvania. The excellence of Dr. Thomas Schantz was shared with the nation as he received the 2004 Pennsylvania Art Educator of the Year Award. Dr. Mary Ann Stankiewicz continues to make a significant difference as NAEA President. Dr. Stankiewicz delivered the NAEA Strategic Plan that will improve the quality and delivery of art education in this nation. Her vision and leadership has been outstanding. Christine Besack and John Skrabalak were recognized for making a significant difference with Pennsylvania’s Youth Art Month Activities. They received a certificate of Commendation for their efforts. Their documentation and the YAM-PA flag proudly represented us. And the list could go on.

The “hot” topics being discussed centered on visual culture, pop culture, no child left behind, art education methodology, and art education survival in the current educational and political climate. The solutions? Varied and interesting to say the least. One common denominator is that we all are making a difference in student’s lives. Quality art education is student centered, content based, sequential and articulated. It is taught by highly qualified teachers who start each day with the intent on making a difference in student’s lives. It is a focus we must not allow to be taken away from us.

The individuals, teams, groups, etc listed above with countless others from Pennsylvania are making a difference. They are role models. They are inspirations to each of us. They are willing to share and work hard for students at every level. I know there are many art educators in Pennsylvania who possess the same traits. We need to inspire, refresh, and make a difference to each other so we can make a difference for our students.

In the upcoming months PAEA will continue its mission to improve art education and professional development in the state. As we prepare to wind down the traditional school year, your professional organization continues to work to make a difference for the soon upcoming school year. There will be regional events, divisional events, a leadership retreat, and the annual conference in Lancaster. The PAEA web site (www.paea.org) and the PAEA List serve are tools to help us share communicate and learn. Use them. Share them. Contribute to them and all of the facets of PAEA. Together, we can continue to make a difference, for every student, everyday!

It’s all about instruction and learning.

Tom Kelchner