#NAEA14

Image created by the workshop from the Circle Project.

The 2014 National Art Education Conference was a blast! I learned a lot, shared a lot, and laughed even more. The conference really blew me away and filled my head (and suitcase) with new resources, ideas, and theories to start implementing in my classroom. The sunshine of San Diego was an added benefit to the weekend. Here is a reflection on the 4 reasons I thought #naea14 would rock, and why I was right: 

4. Escape from the Polar Vortex: The weather in San Diego did not disappoint. I am so thankful for the little time I was able to spend outdoors, walking to and from sessions. It was a beautiful weekend and a nice escape from the snow-covered lawn I returned to in MI. 

Being able to walk outdoors from one session to another was a nice break and perfect opportunity to take in some sun.

View of the massive convention center from the hotel.

I have not seen outdoor plants in a very long time. The color and the smell that accompanied them was much appreciated.

3. Access to Resources: I was in awe of the amount of resources available to teachers at this year's conference. From samples, to lesson plans, to the new standards, there was a lot to stuff in my suitcase and bring back to my classroom. 

The Vendors had a beautiful area to display their goods and draw in crowds to take part in the making of art.

NAEA offered a lot of great resources. From this chart that demonstrates the strategic plan. They also provided posters of the New Coalition for Common Arts Standards.

Did you know you could layer glazes and scrape away layers to make really cool designs? I didn't, but now that I do I can't wait to try it with my students.

Did you know that pencil fires off of clay and that you can also use glue as a separating agent? Going to vendors and trying out their products offers you new ways to use materials.

Liquitex makes a paint marker?!?!?! Amazing.

2. Learning New Things: From the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards Emerging Themes session to talking with colleagues, I learned a lot of really cool things at the conference this year that will inform my teaching and get me thinking about other opportunities for my students. 

Learning about emerging themes in subject matter from the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards team. Ideas involving identity, youth culture, gender, and beauty are among the works highlighted in this session. Lots of food for thought as I prepare students for the 2015 awards season.

Michael Orlando talking about using contemporary art, music, and culture in art making with Middle School students.

Stacy Lord explains the "Safe Haven" architecture project she did with her Middle School students and that was also featured in a SchoolArts Magazine article.

Woody Duncan talking about printmaking and the use of the face as a powerful image with Middle School students.

1. Connecting with Others: It was amazing to meet up with the #artsed #pln at #naea14. It was great to share stories, ideas, and of course, dance. 

The #artsed group woke up early to be a part of the meet up on Sunday.

In line with the theme, I passed out magnifying glasses to all that showed up so they could easily find their #pln.

It was fun to pose together for this group shot that I was able to grab from @MonaLisaLivesHe feed.

I had a lot of fun presenting in four presentations at the conference. I hope to go to the conference again next year in New Orleans!

Happy, smiling teachers sharing and learning with each other is what NAEA is all about. I am proud to have been a part of this conference and look forward to future opportunities to learn and share some more. Thank you to @ArtwithMrE for taking these pics!

To learn more about what happened at the conference, check out the Storify below: