Missoula Art Museum hosts Spark Arts Integration Awards Night for teachers

The Missoula County Public Schools (MCPS) Board of Trustees convened on April 22, 2025, to discuss various initiatives aimed at enhancing arts integration in education. The meeting highlighted the importance of creative learning strategies and the impact they have on student engagement and joy in teaching.

The session began with a focus on the significance of allowing students to demonstrate their understanding through diverse and creative methods. Board members emphasized the need for individualized approaches to learning, encouraging educators to think outside the box and foster an environment where creativity thrives.

Sienna, a key presenter, introduced the upcoming Spark Arts Integration Awards Night, scheduled for May 14 at the Missoula Art Museum. This event aims to honor teachers who effectively integrate arts into their classrooms and inspire their colleagues. The awards night will feature food, music, and recognition of educators who are leading the charge in arts integration.

The meeting also unveiled plans for a major arts integration conference, set to take place on June 19. This conference marks a significant milestone, as it will bring together 350 educators, allowing for broader participation than previous events. The conference will feature renowned artists and educators, including Kennedy Center artists, who will lead sessions on innovative teaching practices. Notably, the conference will be free for all educators, thanks to secured funding.

Board members expressed their enthusiasm for the initiatives, noting the unique scale and commitment of MCPS in promoting arts integration compared to other districts. The discussions underscored the collaborative spirit among educators and the positive impact of creative teaching methods on student learning.

In conclusion, the meeting showcased MCPS's dedication to fostering an engaging and innovative educational environment through arts integration. The upcoming events promise to further enhance the district's commitment to creativity and collaboration in education, setting a high standard for future initiatives.