Pennsylvania Art Educators Association celebrates 75 years

The Spark

The Pennsylvania Art Educators Association is celebrating 75 years in 2024. The organization has a huge impact on art educators throughout the state according to Ashley Gogoj, Chair of the Art and Program Design Department in the Carlisle Area School District

“So, providing professional development opportunities for teachers, providing art shows and opportunities for teachers to showcase their students work. And I know firsthand when I was a brand New York art educator 19 years ago, my program supervisor at the time said, This is an organization you really shouldn't get involved with. So I started going to conferences, attending workshops. I was on board for a period of time. So it just really provides a lot for our teachers, which then goes directly down to our students. So, you know, I think Pennsylvania is a leading state in art education, and that is because of Ohio, “said Hoffman.

The organization also involves the youth with programs such as the National Art Honor Society. Ben Hoffman, President of the Pennsylvania Art Educators Association says they work to create opportunities for students as much as possible.

“We have some great sponsors who, you know, can that give students scholarships or supplies back to those students and those educators. And then for that National Honor Society, just something to, you know, add to the conversation is Pennsylvania is not doing this work alone. We are an affiliate of the National Art Education Association, which I believe right now is just shy or almost 17,000 are educators across the nation and overseas. So there's every state has an agency or organization doing this work, “said Hoffman.

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