May Newsletter
This Teacher Appreciation Week, we want to give a big shoutout to all the amazing dance, theatre, film, music, and visual arts teachers across the state! Your creativity, energy, and passion make such a huge difference in the lives of your students. Whether you're helping someone find their voice on stage, guiding a first brushstroke, or bringing a story to life through movement or film, you’re not just teaching—you’re inspiring. Thank you for everything you do to keep the arts alive and meaningful every single day!
From 2020 to 2025, Art Tech brought the power of arts education to Oklahoma public schools that have no access to the arts. Funded by a five-year U.S. Department of Education grant, the program introduced fine arts instruction in dance, theatre, music, and visual arts to underserved students across the state.
Central to Art Tech's success were its teaching artists—working professionals trained in both their disciplines and effective classroom practices. Each summer, these artists prepared to deliver engaging, standards-based lessons supported by ready-to-use curricula and materials for grades PK-12. The following teaching artists worked with the grant over the past five years:
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In addition, the grant was well-served by grant leaders at the OSDE, most recently Elizabeth Maughan, Elisabeth Roop, Abigail Pappas, and coordinator Parvathy Sangaran. Past leaders of the grant include: Brooke Gebb, Regina Kenton, Nick Bartell, Susie Williams, LaShandria Redman, Collin Anderson, Judy Cummings, and Debbie Enos.
Art Tech started serving 11 school sites and steadily expanded to 22 by its final year. Throughout its run, the program reached thousands of Oklahoma students, many of whom had never taken an arts class before. Teachers and students alike praised the experience, describing it as not only educational but emotionally transformative. Parents also responded positively: "He loves movement. Sitting still can be incredibly difficult and this dance program gave him the opportunity to get up and move and just be himself. Thank you!"
By the end of the program, Art Tech had made significant strides in closing the arts access gap in Oklahoma. In a state where over a quarter of schools offer no arts education, Art Tech helped ensure that creativity, expression, and artistic growth became part of the school day for many more students.
Though the program has concluded, its impact will be felt for years to come—in classrooms, communities, and the creative lives of the students it served. Thank you to the artists, educators, and leaders who helped make this grant possible!
The State Board of Education is authorized to award one or more grants annually to classroom teachers from funds available in the Public School Classroom Support Revolving Fund established pursuant to 70 O.S. § 1-123. (210:40-31-1)
Any public school classroom teacher in Oklahoma is eligible to apply for a Public School Classroom Support Grant and awards will range from $1,000 to $5,000.
Application Criteria
- The funding request should promote student learning in one or more content areas or skills.
- The request should include a specific plan for incorporating supplies, materials, and/or equipment funded by the requested grant into the applying teacher's course(s) for the stated purpose.
- Alignment of the purpose and plan for the requested grant with the Oklahoma Academic Standards. Check out the fine arts standards here!
Please visit the grant website to see the grant application and other details.
Applications will be accepted through June 30, 2025. Award notifications will be made in late July. Questions? Contact ClassGrants@sde.ok.gov
 The Oklahoma State Department of Education is pleased to join with the Oklahoma Alliance for Arts Education, the Masonic Fraternity of Oklahoma, and the Oklahoma Arts Council for the 34th Annual Oklahoma Education Awards for Arts Excellence.
Photos from the 2025 ceremony are now available! Click this link to download any of the event photos for free.
Questions? Contact Elizabeth Maughan, fine arts project manager.
Hosted by OSDE, the 2025 InspireOK conference will bring together teachers and administrators from across the state for a day of learning and networking. Registration is open now!
Arts education-focused sessions will be available! Join us for the following workshops:
Arts Education and the Tulsa and Marzano Teacher Evaluation Frameworks
This session provides guidance for administrators and fine arts educators on navigating Oklahoma’s TLE process. It explores the Tulsa and Marzano frameworks, offering strategies to align evaluation criteria with arts instruction. Attendees will learn how these frameworks assess effectiveness and translate arts teaching practices into measurable success.
Bringing Stories to Life: Integrating Drama and Literacy in Early Childhood Education
Session Description: Educators will explore integrating drama into early childhood literacy through creative storytelling, role-playing, and dramatic play. This interactive session highlights theatre-based strategies to enhance comprehension, language development, and engagement. Participants will gain practical techniques, book recommendations, and lesson ideas to bring stories to life through drama in the classroom.
Navigating Oklahoma Fine Arts Standards: Practical Strategies for Engaging Instruction
Session Description: Fine arts educators will explore the Oklahoma Fine Arts Standards and Frameworks, aligning curriculum, lesson planning, and assessment with state standards. Through hands-on activities and discussions, participants will gain practical strategies, resources, and tools to enhance student engagement, creativity, and artistic growth in their classrooms.
Expanding Access to Fine Arts in Your School or District
Session Description: Discover strategies to expand fine arts education in schools. Learn about benefits, hiring, scheduling, curriculum resources, and funding opportunities, including grants and partnerships. Gain actionable steps to establish or enhance programs aligned with Oklahoma Academic Standards, ensuring all students access quality arts instruction. Ideal for educators and school leaders.
The United States Navy’s newest submarine, the USS OKLAHOMA SSN 802, is set to join the fleet in 2027, carrying the proud legacy of our great state across the world’s oceans. To celebrate this momentous occasion, Oklahomans have been invited to design the official USS OKLAHOMA SSN 802 Challenge Coin, a symbol of honor and service that will be presented to sponsors, crew members, and distinguished guests.
The competition is open to Oklahomans high school age (current 9th grade) and older. Designs should capture the spirit of the newest submarine's namesake - OKLAHOMA, its history, and rich heritage while honoring submariners and their contributions to national security and global peace.
Visit the USS OKLAHOMA SNN 802 site for details about submission requirements. All entries must be submitted by July 4, 2025.
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May: Edmond Public Schools
Summer: Oklahoma Student Art Exhibition - Oklahoma State Fair
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