IHS Educator Named to Board of TAEA

Published December 3, 2015

Independence High art educator Andrea Howard is helping to advance the arts in Williamson County and statewide by her new appointment as the 2016-17 Secondary Division Chair on the Tennessee Art Educator Association board.

In this new role, Howard will write board reports and articles for the TAEA newsletter, promote and increase membership to TAEA and promote the formation of new National Art Honor Society chapters in Tennessee high schools, in addition to numerous other tasks.

“Being appointed to this position is a humbling opportunity to represent not only Independence High School, but also other high schools in Tennessee who are making creative strides and advancements in art education,” said Howard. “I am honored to both sing the praises and be a voice for these art teachers as we continue to develop innovative and quality art experiences for our students.”

The position came available for 2016-17 after current board member Jennifer Wolfe was named the Middle Tennessee representative.

“Fairview Middle art teacher Michelle Vinci and the current TAEA Middle school representative informed me of the vacant seat,” said Howard. She encouraged me to pursue the idea of becoming the new secondary representative and gave the 2016-17 President Janis Nunnally a recommendation on my behalf.”

TAEA is a state affiliate of the National Art Education Association. It is a way for educators to stay on top of developments in art education as well as influence both the direction and quality of art education. TAEA provides access to art journals, newspapers and publications as well as extremely relevant, engaging and exciting professional development through both state and national conferences.

“I am excited to be able to bring recognition to my art students and the creative process and work they make each day,” said Howard. “This opportunity will allow me to gain experiences, knowledge and resources to further enrich the art program at Independence.”