Honoring Art as MU's Program is Suspended

     The University of Missouri has suspended its art education program. With declining enrollment, Mizzou faced a tough decision.  The moment should make us question how we will fill art teaching positions in tomorrow's classrooms, as we honor those doing this important work today.

     In our building our art teacher receives compliments on a daily basis from visitors who are greeted by the work of her talented artists.  She brings out the best in the students who work every day under the mural she created of a Dostoevsky quote.

As an educator I admire teachers of the fine arts.  As a parent I appreciate them even more. Some of my proudest moments have been watching my children perform and create under the guidance of an art or music teacher.

    STEM education rightfully receives a great deal of attention, but we must be careful not to create false dichotomies. The examples of three astronauts serve as reminders: Chris Hadfield's musicianship, Alen Bean's art, and Sally Ride's poetic writing.  These talented scientists remind us of our deep need for the beauty of art. 

      I don't know that beauty alone will save the world, but I do know the world is a better place where talented art teachers are at work.
     Those teachers need a place to prepare.