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contact

DIVISION CHAIR 
Rachel Principe

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message from the division chair

Dear VAEA Members and Community,
As Chair of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access (DEIA) Division of the Virginia Art Education Association (VAEA), I am honored to address you on this platform dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment within our art education community.
At VAEA, we recognize that diversity enriches our collective experiences and perspectives. We are committed to ensuring that every individual—regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability, socioeconomic status, or background—feels valued and has access to the transformative power of the arts.
Our commitment aligns with the National Art Education Association's (NAEA) position on diversity and inclusion, emphasizing the importance of creating inclusive learning communities and empowering participation.
We understand that achieving accurate equity requires ongoing effort, reflection, and action. Therefore, we are dedicated to:

• Providing Resources and Support: Offering materials and guidance to help educators incorporate DEIA principles into their curricula and teaching practices.
• Facilitating Professional Development: Organizing workshops, seminars, and conferences on DEIA topics.
• Encouraging Open Dialogue and Collaboration: Creating safe spaces for discussions about diversity, equity, inclusion, and access where all voices are heard and respected.

We invite you to join this ongoing journey and vital work. Your insights, experiences, and feedback are invaluable as we strive to create an art education landscape that truly reflects and respects the diversity of our art education communities across Virginia.

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RESOURCES

NAEA Equity, Inclusion & Diversity