Arts Education in Maryland Schools updates

Tune in for a 20 minute overview of AEMS' legislative priorities for the 2026 General Assembly Session of the Maryland Legislature.  During this Special Update we review the legislature's role in arts education, what we're working on, and how to get involved. Watch the playback HERE and complete a brief survey HERE.

Join us for a free, three-day micro-credential training designed to help arts educators build more trauma-informed, inclusive learning environments. Facilitated by multidisciplinary artist and trauma-competent art educator Candy González, this course introduces the foundations of stress, trauma, and their impact on learning and behavior—specifically through the lens of arts education.

April 14–16, 2026, 5:30–8:30 PM Free & Virtual

Participants will explore how trauma connects to brain theory, and how educators can use arts-based approaches to help students feel safe, engaged, and ready to learn. Together, we’ll connect key trauma-informed principles to practical strategies for classroom structure, curriculum design, and facilitation. Reflective writing, sample tools, and small-group discussions will support participants in applying these theories directly to their teaching practice. Register HERE.

​Youth Art Month Flag Theme Announced
Click here to access information about this year’s Youth Art Month Flag contest! Entries due February 2nd, 2026.

BWI Marshall Airport Youth Gallery in partnership with the Maryland Art Education Association will be hosting a student art show this Spring. The exhibit of K-12 artworks highlights the high quality of art education throughout schools in Maryland at one of the busiest airports in the US. Full requirements and the submission form can be found HERE.

Membership Uodates

Check out our Membership page to see the winners of this year’s state art educator awards and to access information about the following opportunities:

2026 National Award Winners Announced!
We are excited to celebrate our national award winners at this year’s NAEA conference! See our membership page to see all of the great art educators who will be getting awards this year.

Pre-service Member Opportunities
Are you a preservice art educator in Maryland? Interested in joining NAEA and engaging with a preservice NAEA chapter at your school? We'll reimburse you for your membership!

Micro-grants
MAEA members may apply for a micro-grant. Up to $500 may be awarded to help a member purchase supplies for a special project or to fulfill a basic classroom need. If the grant is funded, member will be required to submit receipts and a summary of how the grant was used along with photographs for publishing in an upcoming Gazette and on social media platforms. Deadline for applying is January 30th 2026.