NAEA is now accepting applications from members who wish to serve on the 2026 Nominating Committee.  One committee, with representatives from each NAEA Region and Division, will be tasked with the work of reviewing nominations and selecting the candidates for the 2026/2027 Board of Directors ballot, the open positions of the 2027 ED&I and Research Commissions.

NAEA is seeking a team of active members, representing diverse perspectives, expertise, geographic locations, and backgrounds to help guide the nomination and selection process for candidates for these national leadership positions.  

 View the NAEA Membership Regions.  

Qualifications for 2026 NAEA Nominating Committee Members: 

A Nominating Committee member must: 

• Be a current member of NAEA.  
• Possess a reasonable knowledge of the workings and structure of the group for which they are reviewing nominations.  
• Have the ability to confidently and clearly express their opinion regarding candidate applications.  
• Be willing to consider others’ opinions regarding candidate applications. 
• Possess a clear understanding of why they would like to serve on this committee, as well as what they would bring to the work of the Nominating Committee.  
• Support NAEA’s mission along with its goals relating to equity, diversity, and inclusion.  
• Not be planning to be nominated or self-nominate for an elected/appointed position on the NAEA Board of Directors, Research Commission, or ED&I Commission during the 2026–2027 review period. 

2026 Nominating Committee Selection 

Per NAEA policy, the Nominating Committee members are selected by NAEA staff and current Board members through assessment of nominee Regional and Divisional representation, as well as past experiences contributing to NAEA and desire to contribute to the selection of volunteer leaders.  

How to Apply for the 2026 Nominating Committee 

 NAEA is using a submission platform called Submittable to collect and review applications. To submit an application, you will first need to create a free account with Submittable.  

 After beginning the application form, you can save a draft and return to finish it at any time before June 5. 

 Application deadline: June 5, 2026 

Timeline of Committee Work:

• June 5, 2026: 2026 Nominating Committee application closes
• Week of July 6, 2026: Nominating Committee selection notifications sent
• Week of August 3, 2026: 2027 Board of Directors Nominations sent for review
• August 3, 2026-September 8, 2026: 2027 Board of Directors review period
• Week of September 14: 2027 Board of Directors candidate review meeting
• September 15-November 9, 2026: Committee Break
• November 9, 2026: 2027 Research Commission Nominations sent for review
• November 16, 2026: 2027 ED&I Commission Nominations sent for review
• Early December 2026: Nominating Committee meets to review and finalize ED&I Commission nominees and Research Commission nominees

 About the Board of Directors:

The NAEA Board of Directors guides the Association forward on behalf of NAEA’s members and their learners. In advance of odd-numbered years, the committee shall prepare a slate of two candidates for each President-Elect and Division Directors-Elect. The NAEA Board will ratify the committees and designate the Chairs.  

 About the Commissions: 

The NAEA Research Commission advances the ongoing research needs of the visual arts education field. Commissioners coordinate and communicate about research that relates to the needs of practitioners and stakeholders who are concerned with understanding critical questions of importance to the field to provide the highest quality visual arts education possible in our schools and educational institutions.    

The NAEA ED&I Commission works in concert with the NAEA Board of Directors, state association affiliates, and members to respond to previously unaddressed and newly emerging issues to advance NAEA’s ED&I recommendations (developed by the ED&I Task Force), as well as to fully realize this work.    

For questions, please email Sydney Krieck at skrieck@arteducators.org

NAHS and NJAHS student members are invited to apply for a volunteer leadership position as a student ambassador on the National Art Honor Societies Student Council. 

The National Art Education Association (NAEA) seeks applications from middle and high school students who are registered members of National Art Honor Societies (NAHS/NJAHS) chapters interested in serving as ambassadors on the National Art Honor Societies Student Council. The National Art Honor Societies Student Council will meet virtually, cohost NAEA Open Studio Conversations, lead a Saturday Student Studio workshop, and provide feedback to NAEA regarding the National Art Honor Societies programs.

This position is designed for passionate and dedicated students with a deep appreciation for visual arts, design, and/or media arts; strong leadership qualities; and a commitment to promoting the highest standards in art scholarship, character, and service. Please reference the National Art Honor Societies Student Council Ambassador Rubric for evaluation criteria.

About the National Art Honor Societies Student Council Ambassadors: Members of the National Art Honor Societies Student Council will include at least eight National Art Honor Society Student Ambassadors—two from each NAEA region: Eastern Region, Southeastern Region, Western Region, and Pacific Region.       Qualifications: Student ambassadors must be active members of a registered NAHS or NJAHS chapter for the 2026–2027 school year.    

High School–Level Student Council Ambassadors must meet the following criteria: 

• Be a current high school student. 
• Be a member of a registered NAHS chapter. 
• Have been an active member of their school’s NAHS chapter (or NJAHS chapter in middle school) for at least 1 year. 
• Commit to participating in four (4) quarterly virtual meetings, one Open Studio Conversation webinar, and the NAHS Saturday Student Studio Day. 

 Middle-Level Student Council Ambassadors must meet the following criteria: 

• Be a current middle school student. 
• Attend a school with a registered NJAHS chapter. 
• Have been an active member of their school’s NJAHS chapter (or NEAHS chapter in elementary school) for at least 1 year. 
• Commit to participating in four (4) quarterly virtual meetings, one Open Studio Conversation webinar, and the NAHS Saturday Student Studio Day.

Terms of Service and Appointment: Members serve a 1-year term. The term will begin on October 20, 2026, and conclude on June 30, 2027. If a student ambassador meets the required service obligations, they may serve a second consecutive term.

National Art Honor Societies Student Council nominations must be submitted online by September 14, 2026, by the chapter sponsor and include a personal statement written by the student and a letter of recommendation. National Art Honor Societies Student Council ambassadors are selected from applications submitted and appointed by the NAEA Youth and Preservice Program Manager and the National Art Honor Societies Council. Members will meet virtually and participate in four meetings annually, cohost one of two Open Studio Conversations, and lead a workshop during the NAHS Saturday Student Studio Day. Total commitment is approximately 8 hours per year. 

Timeline: 

• May 1, 2026: Applications open 
• September 14, 2026: Applications close 
• October 20, 2026: Student council members announced 

Tentative Meeting dates: All meetings take place on Zoom from 7:00–8:00 pm ET 

• Q1 Meeting: Tuesday, October 20, 2026 
• Open Studio Conversation: Thursday, November 19, 2026  
• Rehearsal: Thursday, November 12, 2026 
• Q2 Meeting: Tuesday, December 1, 2026 
• Q3 Meeting: Tuesday, February 9, 2027 
• NAHS Saturday Student Studio Day: Saturday, February 20, 2027, from 12:00-1:30 pm ET 
• Open Studio Conversation: Thursday, April 22, 2027   
• Rehearsal: Thursday, April 15, 2027 
• Q4 Meeting: Tuesday, May 4, 2027 

 Questions? Contact Paula Liz, Youth and Preservice Program Manager, at PLiz@arteducators.org.