The NAEA President appoints one National Convention Local Advisory Committee Chair to bring the local flair, energy, and voice of the membership to the planning of the annual convention.  

National Convention Local Advisory Committee Chair Requirements: 

• Must live within the metropolitan area and/or have a demonstrated deep knowledge and connections within the local community or city.  
• Knowledge of and relationships with the state art education association, local art/art education community, school districts, universities and local museums, community art centers, art philanthropies and other arts organizations, etc.  
• Ability to identify, organize, and lead a team of volunteers to achieve National Convention Local Advisory Committee goals. 
• Have time and availability to commit to two scheduled meetings per month (one meeting with NAEA Convention Staff and one as Chair/Facilitator of the National Convention Local Advisory Committee) between February 2027 and April 2028, as well as additional planning and coordination meetings as needed by Local Advisory Committee subcommittees.  
• Attend the NAEA28 site visit in Phoenix with the NAEA Staff in May or June 2027  
• Availability to execute convention production responsibilities and attend 2028 Convention Tuesday–Saturday (full-day availability preferred) 

 National Convention Local Advisory Committee Chair Responsibilities: 

• Act as key advisor to the NAEA Convention Staff (this role is not a decision maker but an advisor supporting NAEA Convention Staff in connecting to the state organizations, local organizations, local arts community, institutions, museums, volunteers, etc.)  
• Chair Local Advisory Committee (LAC) and collaborate with the host state art education association and local partners to provide guidance, insight, and connections. Advise on local and state artists, museums, cultural institutions, and other opportunities that can enrich the Convention Program and events. Through this advisory leadership, help ensure the Convention experience extends beyond the hotel and convention center, connecting attendees to the distinctive artistic and cultural assets of the host city. 
• Develop a list of possible LAC members and work with NAEA Convention Staff to finalize the list of invitees. 
• Send invitations to selected LAC members.  
• Develop a fund-raising subcommittee to solicit funds for local/state member scholarships to attend the Convention.  
• Select Convention “Word” with LAC.  
• Create a list of 10 possible speakers for the artist series with LAC. 
• Create a list of possible pARTy themes for the NAEA staff to select from.  
• Work with LAC and state association to determine what, if, and how they would like to host an engagement activity throughout Convention. 
• Delegate LAC outreach to museums to solicit complimentary or discount admission tickets.  
• Create a list of all museums offering complimentary or discount admission tickets.  
• Support the development of the Convention 101 Open Studio.  
• Appoint two presenters from the LAC for the Convention 101 Open Studio.  
• Host and moderate the Convention 101 Open Studio.  
• Identify local Indigenous and Native American organizations to support Land Acknowledgment and potential workshop opportunities. 
• Attend National Convention (full-day participation preferred). 
• Support NAEA staff before the National Convention with setup tasks (typically Tuesday and Wednesday) 
• Welcome NAEA Convention attendees to the city at the first General Session.  
• Support the NAEA staff with the speaker introductions for the Local Artist Series.  
• Other duties as assigned by the NAEA Executive Director, NAEA Chief of Creative Engagement, or NAEA Director of Events and Creative Engagement.  

   NAEA will provide the National Convention Local Advisory Committee Chair with the following:  

• Hotel, per diem, and gas reimbursement for the May/June site visit. 
• Hotel, per diem and gas reimbursement for the National Convention, Wednesday–Saturday 
• Recognition as National Convention Local Advisory Committee Chair 

NAEA is seeking nominations for our 2027 National Awards program. 

Eligibility

Any current NAEA member may self-nominate or nominate a fellow NAEA member for a national award with the exception of the following individuals who are INELIGIBLE to receive an NAEA award:

• Current NAEA Board Members and Elects
• Current NAEA Regional Representatives (formerly called Regional Division Directors)
• State/Province Association Leadership who current serve as voting members of a state association board

All nominees must be a current member of NAEA at the time of nomination. 

Awards Program Information & Scoring Rubrics: General Awards information and Scoring Rubrics.

Final Deadline: Friday, November 2, 2026 @ 11:59pm ET*

Other NAEA Awards Programs

• Separate from this nomination form, members are encouraged to nominate individuals other regional level and national level NAEA awards. To access that form, click here. 
• NAEA also invites state/province associations and interest groups to self-nominate for a 2026/2027 Newsletter/Website recognition. This is a separate form that can be accessed here. 
• Finally, 2026/ 2027 State/Province Art Educator of the Year Awardee Information is collected here. 

Questions? Contact NAEA Member Services at members@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.

NAEA seeks applications from Middle Level Division members who are National Junior Art Honor Society (NJAHS) Sponsors and are interested in serving as an At-Large Member on the NAHS Council. The National Council of the National Art Honor Society reviews NAHS issues and makes recommendations to NAEA regarding program policies and procedures.   

About the National Council: Members of the National Council include the Secondary Division Director, Middle Level Division Director, and three Members At Large from the general Secondary, Middle, and Elementary Division membership of NAEA, and the NAEA Associate Director of Programs and Creative Engagement.

A call for applications is announced each fall for the open at-large positions.The call for the Middle Level At-Large occurs in odd years, and the calls for the Secondary and Elementary At-Large occur in even years. Members At-Large serve 2-year terms and are appointed by the NAEA President.

Qualifications: Middle Level Members At-Large must be active members of NAEA with a registered chapter of National Junior Art Honor Society (NJAHS) for the 2026-2027 school year. Click here to review the nomination rubric.

Terms of Service and Appointment: Members serve 2-year terms. The next term will begin immediately following the 2027 NAEA National Convention and conclude in March 2029.

National Council Members At-Large are selected from applications submitted and appointed by the NAEA President. Members meet annually during the NAEA National Convention and participate in three virtual meetings per year. Total time commitment is approximately 6 hours per year.

Questions? Contact Paula Liz, Associate Director of Programs and Creative Engagement, at PLiz@arteducators.org.

The NAEA Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (ED&I) Commission invites nominations from the NAEA membership for three positions:  

• Secondary
• At Large
• Associate Chair

Duties of ED&I Commissioners:  

• Be passionate about ED&I work and exercising emerging or sustaining leadership in the field; 
• Be able and willing to initiate impactful projects related to implementing the final recommendations of the ED&I Task Force; 
• Be able and willing to serve for at least 2 years and participate at an in-person summer convening with the ED&I Commission each year (travel costs covered by NAEA);
• Assist in prioritizing ED&I-related themes, issues, or questions as submitted to the ED&I Commission; 
• Assist in exploring funding sources to support the efforts of the working groups and the ED&I Commission; 
• Assist in identifying exemplary ED&I work and/or reporting on this work and initiating recommended actions to serve our field; 
• Act as a public representative of the ED&I community in the field of visual arts education; and 
• Assist in identifying candidates and in selecting a slate of candidates for Chair of the ED&I Commission, Associate Chair, and Commissioners to be submitted to the NAEA Board of Directors for approval. 

Qualifications for ED&I Commissioners:  

• ED&I-related experience at the represented level; 
• Be a passionate advocate for the ED&I needs of members within the represented Division; 
•  Experience with ED&I work within their community and/or organization; 
• Ability to demonstrate strong organizational and administrative capabilities;  
• Emerging or sustaining leadership within NAEA or comparable organization or institution at the state and national levels; 
• Act as a representative of the ED&I community within the visual arts education field; 
• Hold current NAEA membership in good standing; and 
• Ability to serve for 2 years as a Commissioner. 

Nomination Process: Submit your nomination (self-nominations encouraged) online before 11:59pm ET on November 2, 2026. 

Members may only be considered for one NAEA Commission per nomination period. Please do not nominate or self-nominate for the ED&I Commission if this person is also being nominated for the Research Commission. 

• Nominee CV or resume;
• Two letters of support that address the nominee's qualifications for meeting the required criteria for serving  on the ED&I Commission (pdf file preferred). 
• Responses from the nominee to the following: 

A statement of interest for serving on the ED&I Commission. Responses should be provided through the lens of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The statement should also incorporate your personal qualifications. 

An overview of your experience, service, scholarship, and leadership in the work of establishing greater equity, diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility. 

Address how you have increased your knowledge and awareness of issues surrounding equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.

Explain how your background, knowledge, and skills support your ability to contribute to diverse perspectives. 

List questions, challenges, and issues you believe need to be addressed in the work of establishing greater equity, diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility. 

Nomination deadline: November 2, 2026

  Questions? 

Contact Ray Yang, NAEA Director of Inclusive Leadership and Programs, at ryang@arteducators.org 

Nomination deadline: November 2, 2026

The NAEA Research Commission invites nominations from the NAEA membership for the following two positions:

• At-Large Commissioner
• Museum Education Commissioner

The NAEA Research Commission, established by the NAEA Board of Directors in 2011, promotes a vibrant culture of research that encourages NAEA members and the broader educational community to understand, utilize, and value research as a means for improving art education theory, practice, advocacy, and policy. The Commission also helps NAEA members develop their interactive experiences with research practices and products, enhance their own skills and understandings as researchers, and locate and apply research findings to their professional practices.

Nominees for Division Commissioners should be passionate advocates for the research needs of members within the Division to be served, and either be a member of the Division of interest or have significant research experience in this area. Commissioner nominees must be willing to serve for 2 years. The position is renewable for one additional 2-year term.  

Qualifications and Duties:

All nominees for Research Commission service must hold current NAEA membership in good standing. Terms of service for newly elected Commissioners begin at the close of the 2027 NAEA National Convention (Convention takes place March 4–6, 2027). The qualifications and duties of all Research Commissioners are as follows:

• Have research experience as demonstrated through publications, service on research initiatives, and participation in research projects;
• Have demonstrated successful organizational, administrative, and leadership capacities;
• Have demonstrated successful leadership within NAEA or at a comparable organization or institution at the state and national levels;
• Act as a public representative of the research community within the art 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 in order to provide the highest quality visual arts education possible in our schools and educational institutions.

Nomination Process:

The Research Commission will accept nominations for Commission members by any NAEA member who wishes to nominate a suitable candidate. Please check with the individual nominated to ensure they accept the nomination. The Research Commission will also accept nominations from NAEA members who self-nominate for the positions. 

Members may only be considered for one NAEA Commission per nomination period. Please do not nominate or self-nominate for the Research Commission if this person is also being nominated for the ED&I Commission. 

Nominees for all positions must submit the following materials:

• Nominee CV or resume (4 pages maximum). Should include published work.
• Responses from the nominee to the following: A summary of your research experience and expertise, Roles you have played in conducting research, Research questions you think need to be addressed in art education. 

Questions? Contact Laura Grundler, Chief of Creative Engagement, at lgrundler@arteducators.org  

This form is to be submitted ONLY by a State/Province Association President or Awards Coordinator  to notify the NAEA Awards Coordinator of who has been selected by the State/Province to receive  recognition as the 2025/2026 “State/Province Art Educator.”  THIS IS NOT A NOMINATION FORM.  If this form is not submitted by the State/Province Association President or Awards Coordinator as specified above, it will not be considered valid.

This form is due by 5:00 PM ET on November 2, 2026. 

Committed to supporting art educators in their quest to excel as leaders, NAEA has designed a 21st-century flagship program: School for Art Leaders at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

The Program

Committed to supporting art educators in their quest to excel as leaders, NAEA has designed a 21st-century flagship program: School for Art Leaders at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.     

The Program     

Since 1947, art educators representing all states, regions, and work contexts have provided volunteer leadership service that has shaped the field of art education and positioned the National Art Education Association (NAEA) as the premier professional community for art educators. Committed to supporting art educators in their quest to excel as leaders, NAEA has designed a 21st-century flagship program: School for Art Leaders. Utilizing experiential action learning modules and in-depth conversations with expert leaders, this program provides participants with needed learning experiences and skills to successfully lead in any environment.     

The program design is geared specifically for art educators and is based on the work and recommendations of the NAEA Leadership Development Task Force. Seven different leadership models provide a strong basis for the content of the work, with specific individual and group exercises woven throughout the experience.    

• The NAEA Art Educator Competency Model (developed by the Leadership Development Task Force) 
• Thurber–Zimmerman Empowerment/Leadership Model 
• Mindful Leadership 
• Total Leadership 
• Emotional Intelligence 
• Storytelling  
• Strategies to Support Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Leadership 

   Those selected for each annual class will contribute to the development of an extraordinary community cohort committed to leadership excellence. Upon successful completion, participants become members of the national School for Art Leaders network and are positioned to excel as leaders in education, the arts, and advocacy. 

   Eligibility and Qualifications 

Art education professionals who are new to leadership as well as those who have a range of leadership experience and are looking to enhance their skills are encouraged to apply. Successful applicants will: 

• Have 5 years or more of professional practice and currently working as an art educator (school/school district, museum, college/university, local or state agency, community organization, or other work context). 
• Commit to fully participating in the 10-month program, including possible inclusion in a longitudinal study on leadership impact in art education upon completion of the program. 
• Have organizational support from a state association and/or your school/institution. 

    NAEA expects that program graduates will actively apply their leadership skills in ways that will enhance their institutions and/or NAEA and its affiliates, and contribute a positive impact on the field of art education. 

2027 Program Commitment 

The purpose of the School for Art Leaders at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is to provide an experience that both inspires and prepares art educators to become active leaders of positive change in the field of art education. 

A cohort of no more than 25 participants annually will form a learning community throughout this 10-month program. Participants will meet in a kickoff orientation in preparation for a 5-day intensive experience, taking place at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas. Following the intensive experience, participants will continue to learn and support one another through application of leadership experiments and debriefing sessions through coaching and mentoring for the next 9 months.   

Selection Process 

Each annual class is limited to 25 individuals. Each application is carefully read and scored by a minimum of three reviewers to determine an average score, and all final decisions are made by a Selection Committee. The reviewers consist of a diverse group of SAL Alumni, and the Selection Committee is made up of a diverse group of active NAEA leaders. Both reviewers and the Selection Committee remain anonymous throughout the selection process. The reviewers and Selection Committee are committed to NAEA’s goal of supporting the leadership development of art educators toward creating a pool of leader-ready individuals to advance the profession and the field. Selection will be based on the committee’s evaluation of the readiness for experience and application of leadership skills. The selection will also ensure diverse professional experience, volunteer service, geographic designation, ethnicity, and other indications of leadership potential. 

Timeline 

• Applications Open: Tuesday, September 1, 2026
• Applications Close: Monday, November 2, 2026 at 11:59pm ET
• Notification of Acceptance: Approximately the third week of December 2026 
• Program Start (online): First week of June 2027
• Crystal Bridges Retreat: July 2027 (exact dates to be announced)
• Additional Key Program Dates: To be announced

To nominate a state/province association or interest group for a newsletter or website award, please complete this form no later than November 2, 2026.  

Questions? Please email the NAEA Awards Coordinator at awards@arteducators.org

NAEA is seeking nominations for our 2026/2027 National Awards program. 

Eligibility

Any current NAEA member may self-nominate or nominate a fellow NAEA member for a national award with the exception of the following individuals who are INELIGIBLE to receive an NAEA award:

• Current NAEA Board Members and Elects
• Current NAEA Regional Representatives (formerly called Regional Division Directors)
• State/Province Association Leadership who current serve as voting members of a state association board

All nominees must be a current member of NAEA at the time of nomination, with the exception of those self-nominating/nominating for:

• the Eisner Lifetime Achievement Award
• the Distinguished Service Outside of the Profession Award
• the COMC J. Eugene Grigsby, Jr. Award

About the Awards Nomination Form

When submitting a nomination, you will be asked for information on the nominee’s activities, awards, published material, presentations, leadership positions, and more. We recommend having all of this information collected in advance to either upload or from which to copy and paste (requirements for each award vary) to be prepared. 

You can save your nomination form and complete it at any time before the November 2 deadline.

Are you nominating an individual for multiple awards? You may nominate an individual for up to 3 awards within the same nomination form.

Awards Program Information & Scoring Rubrics: General Awards information and Scoring Rubrics.

Final Deadline: Friday, November 2, 2026 @ 11:59pm ET*

Other NAEA Awards Programs

• Separate from this nomination form, members are encouraged to nominate individuals for the Rising Star and NAHS/NJAHS/NEAGS Chapter Sponsor awards. This is a separate form that can be accessed here. 
• NAEA also invites state/province associations and interest groups to self-nominate for a 2026/2027 Newsletter/Website recognition. This is a separate form that can be accessed here. 
• Finally, 2027 State/Province Art Educator of the Year Awardee Information is collected here. 

Questions? Contact NAEA Member Services at members@arteducators.org 

The NAEA Scholarship Fund supports art educators seeking further professional learning opportunities through the many programs and events offered by NAEA. These scholarships support innovators in visual arts, design, and media arts education, providing access to professional learning, leadership experience, and connectivity to the field.

For more information about NAEA National Convention scholarships, click here.

If you are ready to apply, scroll to the bottom of this page and select "continue."

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (ED&I) Scholarship

The NAEA ED&I Commission offers scholarships designed to increase equity, diversity, and inclusion in the field of visual arts, design, and media arts education by removing barriers to access for underserved and underrepresented individuals.

What it includes:

• Complimentary registration to the 2027 NAEA National Convention

• Up to three (3) nights of hotel accommodations in an NAEA-designated hotel

• A one-year NAEA national membership (not combined with state association membership)

Eligibility: Open to all visual arts and design educators and preservice students. Priority will be given to first-time NAEA National Convention participants and Preservice educators.

Deadline:October 30, 2026 at 11:59pm ET

First-Time Attendee Scholarship

This scholarship is designed to support visual arts educators attending their first NAEA National Convention.

What it includes:

• Complimentary registration to the 2027 NAEA National Convention

• Up to three (3) nights of hotel accommodations in an NAEA-designated hotel

• Travel stipend of up to $300 for transportation, meals, and incidentals

Eligibility:

• Must be an NAEA member

• Must spend at least 51% of professional work as a visual arts educator

• Must be a first-time in-person attendee (virtual-only participants are not eligible)

Deadline: October 30, 2026 at 11:59pm ET

Art Educator Scholarship

This scholarship supports art educators in continuing their professional learning through Convention participation.

What it includes:

• Complimentary registration to the 2027 NAEA National Convention

Eligibility:

• Must be an NAEA member

• Must spend at least 51% of professional work as a visual arts educator

Deadline: October 30, 2026 at 11:59pm ET