Advocacy: Advocating for My Art Program

As an elementary visual art educator teaching close to 875 students in a Title 1 school, I can’t begin to stress how important it is for me to advocate for my program.
What does advocacy mean in a nutshell? Arts advocacy is speaking up and sharing why we believe art is important and spreading the message with those who can support this cause.

It can sometimes be overwhelming to figure out where to start. Here are several processes that I have used to advocate for my students, my school, and my art program:

Creating a Website
When I first took on the role of project resource teacher, I created an art teacher website with an introduction about myself, a grade level syllabus, art blogs for each grade level, a word wall, and additional resources. This is an excellent way to keep all information in one place, and Google sites are simple to create and manage. I include the link to the website in my email signature so that anyone who emails me can learn about my art program.

Writing a Blog
Writing a weekly blog documenting the lessons I teach in my art room has been a great way for admin, staff, and studentsʼ families to learn about my class. At the end of each week, I publish the blog along with photos of student works to blogger.com and link it to my website.

Sharing the News
Each time students create a collaborative artwork (usually at the beginning of the year), their work gets displayed in different venues, and when they earn awards, I send out a schoolwide email informing administrators and staff. I attach photos, share information about where the works are displayed, and provide links.

Using Social Media
I advocate almost every day on social media to let families, staff, and colleagues know what weʼre working on in class. Being active on Instagram, Facebook, and X has helped my program gain exposure and connect with other educators with whom I can collaborate.

Displaying Work Locally
To give student artwork public exposure, I display it in local libraries and coffee shops. I usually schedule an appointment and bring student work with me, along with a printout explaining what the works are about. I notify the respective classroom teachers whose students have work on display so they can inform the student artists. Students typically go to see their works on display and then share it on social media, tagging me and my school.

Getting Published
I regularly submit articles to SchoolArts magazine, which is a perfect way to advocate for my program because the articles are read by thousands of art educators around the country. After sending an email to school staff, I leave the publications in the staff lounge, along with a printout explaining what was published and which pages student artworks appear on.

Holding an Exhibition
Artworks by students are displayed in the hallway outside the superintendent’s office in our annual district art show. I submit works and notify students’ families and staff, and the show is always well-attended and received. I also chair the California Art Education Association’s annual K–8 art show for the San Diego area, which brings different schools and school districts together for one wonderful event.

In November 2022, voters in California passed Proposition 28, which provided additional funding for arts and music in K–12 public schools. My classroom was featured on NBC news prior to this, and an art lesson with my students was recorded. Viewers witnessed firsthand what happens in an elementary visual art classroom—what students learn and how they create art while using real-life skills.

Presenting at Conferences
Finally, I attend sessions and do presentations at state and national conferences, allowing me to connect with other art educators, learn from them, and share my own successes in the art classroom.

How will you advocate for your art program? I hope the suggestions in this article help!