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Over the summer, the Iowa Department of Education offered a tuition subsidy for Iowa music educators completing First Iowa Orff’s Level I teacher education course hosted by Drake University. Funded by the Hawks Trust, this financial support backed the professional learning of 20 Iowa elementary music teachers (19 in-service, one pre-service). Established by the 1959 bequest of William E. Hawks, who directed that his estate support vocal music instruction for Iowa kindergarten, first-, and second-grade students, the Hawks Trust is held and administered by the Department. |
Participants represented 15 school communities, with strong turnout across central Iowa (Des Moines Public Schools, Adel-DeSoto-Minburn, Ankeny, Urbandale) and the Cedar Valley (Waterloo and Cedar Falls), plus representation reaching into eastern Iowa (Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Mount Vernon, Delwood) and southwest Iowa (Griswold, Red Oak). The one pre-service participant was a Drake University music education student, extending the course's reach into the next generation of Iowa music educators. |
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Honing Your Craft: Bridging Traditional Techniques and Contemporary Art Education
In a world that is constantly evolving, "honing your craft" means more than just practicing a technique. It means staying at the forefront of contemporary art trends while mastering the foundational skills that define our discipline. We aim to reframe the way that traditional craft media is taught by centering student creativity, voice and choice.
Register for the AEI Fall Conference here.
Planning to attend the AEI Fall Conference? Join Department fine arts consultant Diana Hawley and co-facilitator Beth Brown from Iowa Conservatory on Friday, October 2 at their 1:00 p.m. session:
Cognitive Apprenticeship: Instructional Choices that Nurture Student Creativity, Voice, and Choice
How can instructional choices cultivate student creativity, voice, and choice while strengthening artistic craft? In this hands-on session, participants will explore the Cognitive Apprenticeship framework (modeling, scaffolding, articulating, coaching, reflecting, and fading) and its role in student-centered arts learning. Through analysis of real classroom moments, small-group discussion, and structured reflection, participants will identify the “teacher moves” that shift ownership of learning toward students. Through self-reflection and peer dialogue, educators will examine how intentional instructional choices support artistic independence, risk-taking, and creative growth. Attendees will leave with practical strategies and a personalized instructional intention to apply in their own classrooms.
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What might standards-based, high-quality instruction look like through the lens of popular music? Join us to hear from Dan Black (Council Bluffs, Modern Band & Guitar Classes and Orchestra) and David Haas (Iowa City, Digital Music Production and Choir) as they share how they have integrated popular music approaches into their school programs. Email diana.hawley@iowa.gov to receive a calendar invitation and link to this discussion. |
Interested in exploring popular music possibilities with fellow Iowa educators? Join the Popular Music Community of Practice to receive invitations to our monthly virtual meet-ups. These “office hours” are structured to be an opt-in gathering for those curious to learn from and share with colleagues across the state. All are welcome! |
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Contest Overview & Eligibility
- Who Can Enter: All Iowa public, private, and home-schooled students in grades K–8.
- Cost: No cost
- Submission Limit: One entry per student.
- Submission Deadline: Friday, October 16, 2026.
- Winners: Winning artists will receive a prize and recognition from the ICN and Tier 3 Technology Solutions by the end of October. We will also highlight winners on our website. Two winners will be selected from each division.
- Prizes include: BeAndge STEM Kit, $20 Visa eGift card, Fortinet Cyber Safe book, Cyber Snackz Adventures in Cybersecurity Book, and coloring supplies.
Learn more about the Iowa Communications Network Cybersecurity Poster Contest
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Keeping the Iowa fine arts education community informed and connected
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Iowa Communication Association 62nd Annual Conference | September 23-26, 2026 | Divine Word College, Epworth
Art Educators of Iowa Fall Conference | October 2-3, 2026 | Hope+ELIM, Des Moines
IHSSA Coaches Convention | Iowa High School Speech Association (IHSSA) | October 9-10, 2026 | Gateway Hotel, Ames
IHSMA Marching Band: State Festival, North | Iowa High School Music Association (IHSMA) | October 10, 2026
IHSMA Marching Band: State Festival, South | Iowa High School Music Association (IHSMA) | October 17, 2026
Iowa Thespian Festival | November 13-14, 2026 | University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls
Iowa Music Educators Association 2026 Professional Development Conference | November 19-21, 2026 | Iowa State Center, Ames
IHSMA All-State Music Festival | Iowa High School Music Association (IHSMA) | November 19-21, 2026
State Debate Tournament | Iowa High School Speech Association (IHSSA) | January 8-9, 2027 | DMACC, Ankeny
Know of an event, conference, or opportunity for Iowa fine arts educators? Send it to diana.hawley@iowa.gov to be included on The Iowa Arts Education Calendar.
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Sign up and share the Fine Arts Exchange with your colleagues.
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- special announcements
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Diana Hawley, DMA
Education Program Consultant, Fine Arts
Bureau of Academic and Learner Supports
Iowa Department of Education
Grimes State Office Building
400 E 14th St
Des Moines, IA 50319
515-371-0410
diana.hawley@iowa.gov
https://educate.iowa.gov
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