TAEA Leadership

Amber Forgey (Vice-President Elect Youth Art Month), Matthew Wright (Treasurer), Linh Nguyen (President), Sara Chapman (Executive Director), Sandra Newton (President Elect), Brady Sloane-Duncan (Secretary), Angela Coffey (Vice-President Youth Art Month), Myron Stennett (Vice-President Membership); Missing: Moe Doebbler (Vice-President Elect Membership) and Ricia Kerber (Commercial Exhibits Director)
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Linh Nguyen — President

What I Love About TAEA: TAEA provides us the opportunity to connect, collaborate and cherish in each other's love and passion for art. When we talk about the human connection, it is through art that we are able to transcend into a world of visual communication, passed down from generation to generation. Florence Dibell Bartlett once said, "The art of the craftsman is the bonds between the peoples of the world." TAEA allows us to come together as a unified group to advocate and provide the best for our art teachers and student artists. TAEA is an art teacher's dream and avenue for success!

Sandra Newton — President Elect

What I Love About TAEA: I love that TAEA is a supportive, passionate, intelligent, professional, insightful, hard-working, knowledgeable, collaborative, energetic, and innovative network of incredible people that make us all better educators, administrators, and artists. Thank you TAEA! I am so thankful to be a part of this amazing professional organization.

Myron Stennett — Vice-President Membership

What I Love About TAEA: TAEA holds a special place in my heart because of our incredible membership! The people within this community are not just great; they're the heart and soul of what makes TAEA so remarkable. The learning opportunities and experiences offered by TAEA have been nothing short of transformative. It's more than an organization; it's a nurturing space that genuinely values professional growth and development.

Reflecting on my journey, I can't help but feel immense gratitude for the substantial personal and professional growth I've experienced as an educator and leader, all thanks to TAEA. However, what truly makes this journey extraordinary is the invaluable tapestry of friendships woven over the years. These connections, born from a shared passion for art education, have become an irreplaceable part of my life. TAEA isn't just an organization; it's a family, a community that has profoundly shaped not only my career but also my heart.

Maureen Doebbler — Vice-President Elect Membership

What I Love About TAEA: I love TAEA because I believe in its mission and believe together, art teachers are stronger — stronger in the classroom, stronger in our districts, stronger in the Texas legislature. Because of TAEA, art teachers become better educators through professional learning, advocacy, collaboration, and support. I hold TAEA deep in my heart. As a member since 2000, I have met numerous amazing art educators forming many lasting friendships and bonds. TAEA is a strong voice for art educators in the state of Texas, and I hope you will become our newest member!

Angela Coffey — Vice-President Youth Art Month

What I Love About TAEA: What I love about TAEA is the constant fostering of growth for students and educators! There's a certain level of intentionality behind everything TAEA does to help promote excellence in visual arts! We have better educators because of TAEA which leads to students getting the optimal learning experience! I am so proud to be a part of such an impactful organization!

Amber Forgey — Vice-President Elect Youth Art Month

What I Love About TAEA: I love that TAEA has a long successful history of uniting passionate art educators. I love that my art teacher was an integral part of TAEA and I saw her model that advocacy during my high school career and once I became an art educator, I continued to watch her lead the way. I appreciate that TAEA offers a place for educators to hone their craft both artistically and as an educator. That place might be VASE, Jr. VASE, or TEAM. It might be at the annual conference or through YAM activities or leadership roles but there is always someone with more knowledge, expertise, or seasoning that is available to help me become a top art educator. TAEA is a great source of inspiration in my professional life.

Brady Sloane-Duncan — Secretary

What I Love About TAEA: I love that TAEA supports art educators in a wide range of environments: public schools, private schools, museum educators, and more — from pre-service or the first year of their career to beyond retirement. TAEA offers a variety of ways for its members to engage their students and schools with meaningful lessons, programming, and events. I always look forward to the annual conference. Each year I am encouraged and energized by fellow art educators, always returning to my students with innovative ideas to incorporate into my classroom.

Matthew Wright — Treasurer

What I Love About TAEA: I love how the heart of TAEA is the network of educators that come together for the furthering of visual art; this is what makes TAEA. With the many student and teacher art show possibilities, TAEA helps facilitate the showing of student work, through VASE and many other show opportunities. VASE serves to remind us that making the work is just part of the artistic process, and that analysis and displaying art are also parts of learning the art process.

Sara Chapman — Executive Director / NAEA Liaison

What I Love About TAEA: TAEA feels like "home" where professional art educators gather to exchange ideas, dialogue, and solve the issues of the world. It creates a safety net to hold members close to mentor, grow, and provide resources when needed. It offers nourishment for those that are hungry for professional development or networking. It holds out helping hands for new comers who want and need guidance. TAEA is a place to have fun, to grow professionally, to make new art friends and find the newest art materials and equipment on the market. TAEA helps makes its members great educators. Don't you want to join our art education home?

Ricia Kerber — Commercial Exhibits Director

What I Love About TAEA: I have always taught in schools where I have been the sole art teacher, so TAEA is my connection to other teachers. TAEA is the place in which I collaborated for new ideas and techniques for my classroom.

Elementary Division
Keahi Brown

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Elementary Division Elect
Julie Gallow

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What I Love About TAEA: What I love the most about TAEA is the professional connections, friendships, and relationships I have benefited from over the years. Some of the most warm, caring, talented, and giving people I know serve in TAEA and are members of our organization. I have grown and developed so much as an art educator from the encouragement, training, and support I've received. I want to do the same for others, especially my fellow elementary art teachers.

Middle School Jr High Division
Robbyne Teel

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What I Love About TAEA: I love how everyone is so willing to help and share with each other. If you are struggling with a lesson or how to get something to work, you can always reach out to the friends who turn into family from TAEA for help.

Middle School Jr High Division Elect
Leanne Rainey

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What I Love About TAEA: I love the support and encouragement TAEA provides to visual art educators. Whether you are looking for quality professional development that is specifically geared toward art or a network of other art professionals to bounce ideas off, TAEA is your ultimate guide. Everyone here cares about each other and is incredibly passionate about promoting a well rounded education to the students in Texas!

High School Division
Hailey Jo Williams

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What I Love About TAEA: I love that TAEA connects to all! When I initially moved to Texas from Iowa, I was looking for guidance, new experiences, and the perspectives of others. This is a passion I hope to always have and TAEA helps me to network with those that I can learn from and hopefully guide through their own journeys! Let me know how I can get to know you and what we can learn from one another!

High School Division Elect
Ambra Hernandez

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What I Love About TAEA: I love the opportunities that TAEA provides for professional development, advocacy for art education in the community, and continuous support of fellow art teachers. I look forward to the TAEA Conference every year because it sparks creative ideas to take back to the classroom and renews my love for what I do to help students foster imagination, creativity, and their passion for the visual arts. Finally, TAEA has fostered friendships that will last a lifetime.

Visual Arts Administrators of Texas Division
Nealy Holley

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What I Love About TAEA: I love that TAEA builds relationships with students and adults, both in and out of the classroom. Making connections with people and community are among the most important aspects of teaching art. TAEA allows me to work with and learn from other visual arts educators across the state in a network that is both encouraging and supportive.

Visual Arts Administrators of Texas Division Elect
Kaileigh Newman

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What I Love About TAEA: I love the connections created across the state of Texas as art educators. TAEA celebrates those who champion the visual arts. It is a group of passionate art educators who believe in the power of visual arts. Through collaboration and innovation, TAEA ensures best practices for our student artists Pre-K through 12th grade. TAEA is the place to be inspired and connect with passionate art educators who will lift you.

Museum Division
Kathryn Mitchell

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What I Love About TAEA: I learn something new at every workshop and conference but the thing that I love the most is the people. I have made amazing friendships and met people who love what they do from every part of Texas. Those relationships are the best part of TAEA.

Museum Division Elect
Thuy Garcia

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What I Love About TAEA: TAEA's commitment to fostering a cohesive visual arts professional community effectively advocates for the significance of arts education and creative expression in our dynamic and evolving society. I love that TAEA unites individuals from across the state of Texas through constructive opportunities for growth, support, and collaboration.

Higher Education Division
Open Position

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Higher Education Division Elect
David Moya

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What I Love About TAEA: I love the sense of connectivity and support by the members of TAEA. I can honestly say this community has helped shaped me in becoming a successful art educator while maintaining my passion for art and people.

Student Division Elect
Sydney Silva

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Retired Art Educators Division
Debbie Nicholas

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What I Love About TAEA: What I love about TAEA is the opportunity to connect with art educators from across the state of Texas. The support, inspiration, and friendships from fellow members inspires me throughout the school year.

Retired Art Educators Division Elect
Suzanne Greene

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What I Love About TAEA: Fellowship of like minded people is what drew me into TAEA. Everyone is willing to help each other and share their talents, skills, and lessons with all art teachers through Conference, Regional Conferences, and In-Services. You never feel alone because you have your TAEA family to reach out to when you need help. I was helped and now want to give back. I love the excitement that happens when art teachers work together, have fun together, and learn together. We all advocate for our programs and TAEA is here to help all do this.

P.I.C.A. Division
(Private, Independent, Charter, Art Facilitator)
Lisa Urban

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What I Love About TAEA: After moving to Texas and taking my first ever teaching job in Bryan, TX, I needed a way to network and connect with other teachers in my field. I began working with local teachers through Brazos Valley Art Education Association and this led me to TAEA. Through my work with both organizations, I have met some amazing teachers and artists and have found that I truly love being involved. I wish to continue my involvement by serving all of the private, independent, charter, and art facilitators in Texas who are looking for extra support and encouragement to keep doing what we do.

P.I.C.A. Division Elect
(Private, Independent, Charter, Art Facilitator)
Megan McEntire

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What I Love About TAEA: I joined TAEA to learn more about the professional network of art educators, and get ideas for teaching and reaching students. I have stayed an active member for all this time, looping more colleagues and educators into the fold of TAEA. I look for ways to give back to this organization as it continues to fuel my art and teaching.

Conference Facilitator
Mel Basham

What I Love About TAEA: What I love about TAEA is the opportunity to meet and collaborate with so many dedicated, passionate art educators. Each member is advocating and educating others on the importance of art in all Texas educational programs. Rural, urban, suburban - we support one another and are all part of our like-minded and determined TAEA Team. We know art education is essential to human development!

YAM Facilitator
Gretchen Bell-Young

What I Love About TAEA: Meeting people who share the same passion for Art Education that I do. It is truly amazing how much talent Texas Art Educators have, and I love all of the opportunities we get to collaborate and learn from each other to develop our craft and become the best advocates for our students.

Social Media Specialist
Gabriel Flores

What I Love About TAEA: TAEA is the epitome of advocacy and collaboration among art educators across the state of Texas. So much work goes on behind the scenes to provide support and plan events for teachers to strengthen their voice through networking and professional development. I am proud to be a member of TAEA and always look forward to our annual events, as they continue to grow bigger each year.

TEAM State Director
Tracey Hall

What I Love About TAEA: I love being part of a supportive passionate group of people who do what we do for the students! A group who promotes the arts where every student can be successful. A group that is full of new ideas, encourages, and supports every member!

Junior VASE State Director
Larry West

What I Love About TAEA: I love TAEA for the ability to share ideas and see "best practices" by great people that are STUDENT CENTERED. Being involved with TAEA is like the right hand of being an Art Educator in TEXAS and beyond!

High School VASE State Director
Chris Cooper

What I Love About TAEA: I love being a part of the TAEA family. No place else can I find such a positive, supportive group of creatives who never fail to inspire me, and who all share a mission: tirelessly sharing and advocating for Visual Arts across our state, and faithfully inspiring the creative potential of our next generation.

State VASE Director
Amy Semifero

What I Love About TAEA: I love how being a member of TAEA allows me to continue to hone my craft as an art educator and leader. Participation in this organization has given me the knowledge necessary to give my students the most relevant art experiences possible. By encouraging my students to participate in VASE, their artistic efforts and creative solutions are recognized on both the regional and state level which also builds their confidence and love for the visual arts.

Advocacy
Betsy Murphy

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What I Love About TAEA: What I love about TAEA is how our members use the power of art to bring people together. In every corner of Texas, our members are promoting art programs in countless ways. In classrooms, museums, community spaces, as well as on-line venues, students and community members bear witness to the transformative efforts of Texas art educators.

Awards
Shawn Knuckles

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What I Love About TAEA: I love picking out new sessions to go and experience at conference. I love new ideas and the excitement that all the teachers have meeting each other. I love sharing ideas with other art teachers around Texas.

Book Study Chair
Melanie Blair Mccook

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What I Love About TAEA: I love TAEA — it's a place where I can connect, reflect, and inspire with my fellow creative makers!

Community Art Committee
Kathryn Baker

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What I Love About TAEA: TAEA provides an opportunity to collaborate with colleagues from across the state. It has helped me to grow as an educator, an artist and a leader. TAEA is one of the biggest advocates for art education in the nation, and it has touched the lives of so many students and future generations of artists!

Credentials
Kathy Hendrick

What I Love About TAEA: TAEA fosters a strong sense of family among its members, and because of that I have formed lifelong friendships with other art teachers from all over the state. Teaching in a small, rural district I was the only art teacher on my campus, and after I attended my first TAEA conference I knew I had found "my people". TAEA provided a link to other art teachers, information on innovations and ideas, and programs to help me create a quality art program for my students. As a retired art educator, I also love that TAEA has programs that keep me involved in art education and enable me to give back to an organization that has given so much to me.

Historian
Danielle Pontus

What I Love About TAEA: I love how TAEA brings people together no matter age or location! I have so many surrogate family members through TAEA, members that live nowhere near me, but when we meet up, it's as if no time has passed. TAEA is an organization where your voice is heard and where you are supported; and in return, you are able to support and mentor new members. I love my TAEA family!

Members Art Show
RJ Christensen

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What I Love About TAEA: Friendship, Motivation, and a Structure for Success and Excellence — When I started TAEA I was blown away by the phenomenal state conference with professional development that actually pertained to my teaching. Over the years I've found an extensive support group of fellow art teachers and mentors who support my dreams and offer motivation when needed. Age, gender, race, and faith differences are set aside in TAEA. No matter who you are, you are appreciated. After all these years of getting, it's my turn to start giving back to this incredibly influential organization that has played such a strong role in who I am today and the success of my students.

National Art Honor Society
Ebony Nicole Johnson

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What I Love About TAEA: I love the passion that permeates within the organization to continue all efforts in providing and exemplifying excellent progression of Visual Arts Education, Advocacy, Outreach, and Mentorship to its members, stakeholders, and more importantly, the students we serve. The charge of taking onus to impact the state through our Visual Language is believed by all and graciously imparted through the wisdom of colleagues and friends within the organization. For that, I am honored and humbled.

Parliamentarian
Sarah Hartman

What I Love About TAEA: The connections and relationships built with art educators through TAEA. This is an invaluable resource for all art educators that encourages personal and professional growth!

Private Schools
Megan McEntire

What I Love About TAEA: I joined TAEA to learn more about the professional network of art educators, and get ideas for teaching and reaching students. I have stayed an active member for all this time, looping more colleagues and educators into the fold of TAEA. I look for ways to give back to this organization as it continues to fuel my art and teaching.

Technology
Dr. Kari Murphy

What I Love About TAEA: I love the creativity of TAEA and the friendships I have gained over the years of serving with TAEA members. I work in the IT world of K-12 education. Serving in TAEA always me to dabble and grow creatively when I feel boxed in with the wires and cables.

Distinguished Fellows
Dr. Tina Farrell

Region 1 Representative
James Miller

Region Info

What I Love About TAEA: The reason why I love TAEA is that it empowers each region in Texas to advocate the visual arts year round. Students have the opportunity to exhibit art at the state level through TASA/TASB State exhibits, Capital YAM exhibits, and Gold Seal Exhibits. They may participate in state competitions through TEAM/VASE and celebrate their creativity through YAM/Big Art day events.

Region 2 Representative
Alejandra Pena

Region Info

What I Love About TAEA: TAEA gives its members the opportunity to build a professional network of colleague who share the same passion for art education. As we learn from each other we become stronger advocates for our art students and programs in our schools.

Region 3 Representative
Jamie Sainz

Region Info

What I Love About TAEA: The ability to network with other art educators across the state through TAEA. Everyone is so helpful, supportive and willing to share ideas with each other. It is a wonderful support system for all art educators. TAEA brings opportunities to our students that they would not otherwise have. Our students have thrived as they while trying to achieve one of the sought after State VASE Spots.

Region 4 Representative
Jessica Green

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Region 5 Representative
Open Position

Please contact if you are interested.

Region 6 Representative
Willie Keener

Region Info

What I Love About TAEA: I love that for over 15 years I was able to find a place of being where a vibrant community of artists, educators, and art enthusiasts come together to celebrate the power of creativity. What sets TAEA apart are the sincere support, growth, and leadership opportunities it offers to its members. Every artist and educator deserves unwavering support on their creative journeys. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting, the TAEA community genuinely cares about our growth and development. The array of resources - from workshops and conferences to mentorship programs - helped to diversify our understanding of equity. We can embrace a multitude of artistic styles, backgrounds, and voices that proactively and holistically invest in each other to better serve our students and communities.

Region 7 Representative
Wayne Gaddis

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Region 8 Representative
Carrie Slay

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Region 9 Representative
Christie Andrews

Region Info

What I Love About TAEA: TAEA membership gives me access to a wealth of experience and expertise through its created community of fellow art educators. I have grown as both an educator and an artist by attending workshops provided at the TAEA Conference and by networking with involved local teachers. I especially love TAEA for providing my students the opportunity to compete at VASE; it's become a strong tradition in our high school program.

Region 10 Representative
Charles Petty

Region Info

What I Love About TAEA: I love how TAEA provides opportunities for students and educators to come together and further their passion for creativity and the arts. I think fostering creativity is one of the most valuable things we can give to the next generation, and TAEA gives us so many opportunities to help us get there. If we don't all champion the arts and its transformative power, then no one else is going to. TAEA gives us a place to come together and stand up for the power of quality art education whether it be in bridging social divides, expressing ourselves, championing creativity, or fighting to keep art front and center in education as Texas charts its path to the future.

Region 11 Representative
Dallas Williams

Region Info

What I Love About TAEA: I love everything about TAEA. Art education has always been my heart and soul, and through TAEA I have been able to feed my soul with art-minded friends and artistic events. I have been able to use the resources they provide to help my students and colleagues grow and explore. I hope to use my time as Region 11 Representative to set up even more opportunities for creative interactions amongst us. I love VASE because of what the kids get out of it! I love to hear them talk about the amazing artwork they see at the event, the advice they got from the juror or another student, and how inspired they are to get back in the studio and make more art. VASE really gives students a chance to put their voices into their work and share it with everyone. Bonus, the teachers are usually just as inspired as the kids!

Region 12 Representative
Bonnie Holmstrom

Region Info

What I Love About TAEA: TAEA has given community and purpose to so many art educators including myself. When you attend TAEA conferences and events the positive energy is infectious and you leave feeling like you can do anything! TAEA creates opportunities to connect with and learn from other art educators which in turn makes us stronger and better at what we do. The tools that TAEA has created allows art educators to give back more to our students and our community in a way that just not would not be possible otherwise. I am truly grateful to be part of an organization that is just as passionate about art as I am.

Region 13 Representative
Open Position

Please contact if you are interested.

Region 14 Representative
Abbie Sandoval

Region Info

What I Love About TAEA: I love that we have the opportunity to meet other people who are passionate about the same things as I am. I love that TAEA gives me the opportunity to learn from others and perfect my craft, not just at the conference but year-round.

Region 15 Representative
Shara Wright

Region Info

What I Love About TAEA: Texas Art Education Association provides instant connections that care. As a member of TAEA, it does not matter if you are a newbie or a 30 year veteran, you have instant access to art teachers throughout the state that will provide the support you need to succeed and impact your students in a positive way.

Region 16 Representative
Elizabeth Strobel

Region Info

What I Love About TAEA: I love that TAEA is a community full of amazing art educators across the state that enables so many of us to connect in ways that otherwise would be challenging. TAEA provides professional development opportunities that enhance our classrooms each and every day. Through this collaboration with other art educators across the state, we are able to bring innovation and creativity back to our respective regions. I am thrilled to be able to help grow region 16 through the help and support of such a wonderful organization.

Region 17 Representative
Christyne Hamilton

Region Info

What I Love About TAEA: My appreciation for the Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) is multifaceted. TAEA is a critical part of connecting educators locally, regionally and statewide. This unique organization has allowed me to grow as an individual and find comradery amongst those in the field of Visual Arts. From YAM to TEAM/Junior VASE/VASE, there is always something to do creatively in Texas communities.

My favorite facet of TAEA is District of Distinction (DOD). To me, it is a statement that says "Local students have worked hard and are seen throughout the community." For those who do not know what the title means, I take joy in explaining it to them! TAEA's DOD sets a standard for schools across our state to rise to.

Connection to those around us is a vital part of growth. TAEA cultivates, encourages and enriches opportunities for such growth. Above all, I believe that my visual arts program is significantly better because of the support I receive from TAEA.

Region 18 Representative
Usbaldo Valeriano

Region Info

What I Love About TAEA: Hands down the sense of belonging, how amazing our conference is, just think about it, all artists, all Texans, all together. All this teachers with a hunger to be better and better, how refreshing it is to see all the new things we learn and how amazing to know there are people willing to share with you what they do. EVERYBODY should attend TAEA conference to recharge your art teaching spirits!

Region 19 Representative
Open Position

Please contact if you are interested.

Region 20 Representative
Open Position

Please contact if you are interested.

Graphic Designer - STAR Newsletter
Gabriel Flores

What I Love About TAEA: TAEA is the epitome of advocacy and collaboration among art educators across the state of Texas. So much work goes on behind the scenes to provide support and plan events for teachers to strengthen their voice through networking and professional development. I am proud to be a member of TAEA and always look forward to our annual events, as they continue to grow bigger each year.

Graphic Designer - TRENDS Journal
Andres Peralta

Photographer
Danielle Pontus

What I Love About TAEA: I love how TAEA brings people together no matter age or location! I have so many surrogate family members through TAEA, members that live nowhere near me, but when we meet up, it's as if no time has passed. TAEA is an organization where your voice is heard and where you are supported; and in return, you are able to support and mentor new members. I love my TAEA family!

TAEA STAR Editor
Sara Chapman

What I Love About TAEA: TAEA feels like "home" where professional art educators gather to exchange ideas, dialogue, and solve the issues of the world. It creates a safety net to hold members close to mentor, grow, and provide resources when needed. It offers nourishment for those that are hungry for professional development or networking. It holds out helping hands for new comers who want and need guidance. TAEA is a place to have fun, to grow professionally, to make new art friends and find the newest art materials and equipment on the market. TAEA helps makes its members great educators. Don't you want to join our art education home?

Brazos Valley AEA
Lisa Urban

What I Love About TAEA: After moving to Texas and taking my first ever teaching job in Bryan, TX, I needed a way to network and connect with other teachers in my field. I began working with local teachers through Brazos Valley Art Education Association and this led me to TAEA. Through my work with both organizations, I have met some amazing teachers and artists and have found that I truly love being involved. I wish to continue my involvement by serving all of the private, independent, charter, and art facilitators in Texas who are looking for extra support and encouragement to keep doing what we do.

McKinney AEA
Shannon Kessler

Richardson AEA
Lauren Compean

What I Love About TAEA: I love and deeply appreciate TAEA's steadfast commitment to advancing art education and its advocacy for art education, educators, and students. As someone passionate about lifelong learning, I value how TAEA supports educators by offering innovative professional development and networking opportunities. This creates an environment where we can continually grow and exchange knowledge. Through this invaluable support, TAEA inspires me to be a more effective advocate and teacher, striving to enrich my students' education to the fullest extent.

Round Rock AEA
Carolyn Scalan

What I Love About TAEA: TAEA has been an integral part of my life as an art teacher since 1999, my first year of teaching. Over the years, it has gifted me with life-long friendships, mentors, and professional development. TAEA rejuvenates and fills my art teaching soul every year as we gather to learn, grow, and connect with each other. I have loved giving back to the organization that has given me so much in recent years. I have been Region 13 TEAM Director, Chairperson of the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee, and now, I am excited to serve in a new capacity, as Region 13 Representative.

Round Rock AEA
Cari Washburn

Texas Panhandle AEA
Shawn Kennedy