State Education Agency Directors of Arts Education (SEADAE) consists of those persons at state education agencies whose responsibility is education in the arts (Dance, Media Arts, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts).Our MissionTo support the professional effectiveness of individual members and provide a collective voice for leadership on issues affecting arts educationOur PurposeTo achieve quality, comprehensive, sequential, standards-based education in the arts for all students PreK-20Elected as President 2021-2023.

The Director of Arts Education is the primary state-level arts content subject matter expert and contact for fine arts educators, school administrators, and school districts. Content support includes leading implementation of visual and performing arts standards; developing professional development, training, and other resources to support fine arts educators throughout the state; convene focus groups to capture stakeholder feedback and to share best practices; support school districts in developing and enhancing new and existing arts programs; participate in regional, state, and national convenings on arts education to represent the department; serve as a resource and liaison between fine arts educators and the department on matters relative to educator preparation, licensure, standards, content, assessment, evaluation, policy, etc. Supervise and direct academics contract employees. Oversee State of the Arts program, a public-private partnership designed to increase student access to high-quality music and arts programs. Develop and execute project management plans for arts education initiatives. Lead and support the Office of Academics with project management, strategic initiatives, competitive grant processes, and communications and engagement strategy.Accomplishments: developed and implemented $1MM music education grant program todevelop or improve music programs; established the Arts Education Network to create a network of professional practice between school districts across the state; collaborated with external partners to launch a first-of-its-kind statewide arts education landscape study; led the creation of toolkits to support educators during the COVID-19 pandemic; coordinated professional learning for new fine arts standards, portfolio, and other topics relative to arts education; supported the launch of the TN Arts Education Data Project; successfully advocated for over $300,000 in funding to support fine arts instructional resource development.

Band Director at Martin Luther King, Jr. Academic Magnet School for Health Sciences and EngineeringDuties include leading all aspects of the 275+ member band program. Fine arts department chair representing 5 teachers and 650 student (over half of the student population). Teaching duties include 7th Grade Band, 8th Grade Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Symphony, Wind Ensemble, and Music Understanding. Handles administrative duties not limited to fundraising, event planning, travel planning, inventory, programming, curriculum development, assessment design, etc. Faculty Sponsorship: National Honor Society (2015-16), Tri-M Music Honor Society (2013-2018). Committee Work: Leadership Team (2015-2018) – Fine Arts Department Chair.Accomplishments: Oversaw planning, design, and construction of new state-of-the-art6,000+ sq. ft, $1 Million+ facilities expansion for instrumental music; selected as a GRAMMY Signature Schools Semi-Finalist; premiered new composition at National Association of Music EducationAnnual Conference in 2015; Wind Ensemble selected to perform at 2015 TMEA State Conference inMemphis, TN; Wind Ensemble selected as State Level Winner in 2014 Mark of Excellence Program

Duties: Lead all aspects of the band program. Teaching duties include 6th grade beginning band, 7th grade band, 8th grade band, pep band, and other small ensembles (jazz band, percussion ensemble, etc.). Handles all administrative functions of the program including recruiting, finances, inventory, travel/trip planning, and record-keeping. Committee Work: Data Team (2012-13), Leadership Team (2012-13), Hawk Celebration Committee (2011-13)Accomplishments: Increased membership from 128 students (2010) to over 210 student musicians (2012); established fundraising and sponsorship program to supplement funding from school board.• Created jazz band program; Implemented SmartMusic assessment program, participated in composition consortiums to advance beginning and young band literature.