President's Message (May 2026)
DARTS Begins an Exciting New Chapter for 2026–2027
The Division of the Arts for the Exceptional Learner (DARTS) is stepping into an exciting new season of leadership and advocacy as we continue advancing arts education for individuals with exceptionalities.
From welcoming new board members to preparing for the 2027 CEC Convention and supporting student engagement, there is tremendous momentum ahead for our community.
Welcoming the 2026–2027 DARTS Board of Directors
With the adoption of the new DARTS bylaws, we are proud to welcome a new group of leaders to the DARTS Board of Directors:
Sedigheh Fatollahzadeh Dizaji, Membership Chair
Lucia del Valle Penella, Student Chair
David Ray Gutierrez Miranda, Publication Chair
Sara Lucas-Dreiss, Professional Engagement Chair
Cody Puckett, Ambassadors Chair
Beverley Holden Johns, Founder’s Circle Chair
These individuals bring passion, expertise, and a shared commitment to expanding arts opportunities for learners of all abilities. We look forward to the innovation and collaboration they will bring to DARTS in the coming year.
Looking Ahead to the 2027 CEC Convention & Expo
The 2027 Annual Convention & Expo will take place March 10–13, 2027, in Columbus, Ohio and DARTS members are encouraged to participate.
The Call for Proposals is now open, with submissions due by June 1, 2026. If you are presenting work connected to arts education, accessibility, inclusion, or creative practices in special education, consider selecting Arts in Special Education as your topic area.
Submit here:
https://cecconvention.org/cfp
DARTS members are also encouraged to apply to serve as proposal reviewers for the convention.
Apply here:
https://cecconvention.org/call-reviewers
Arts Education Alliance — Resources & Upcoming Opportunities
If you haven't already explored the Arts Education Alliance (https://nafme.org/advocacy/arts-education-alliance/), now is the perfect time. The coalition brings together five national organizations, EdTA, NAEA, NAMAE, NAfME, and NDEO, to advocate for equitable access to arts education for every student.
The Alliance website is an excellent hub for legislation updates, funding opportunities, advocacy tools, and professional learning resources. Be sure to check out the featured webinar linked here: https://vimeo.com/1179252183?fl=pl&fe=sh for valuable insights and updates in the field.
Upcoming Conferences:
• NAMAE Teaching Multimedia 101 | June 22–26, 2026 | Virtual, free PD course https://www.mediaartsedu.org/
• EdTA Theatre Education Conference | July 22–24, 2026 | New York City https://tec.schooltheatre.org/
• Art Ed NOW Conference (Art of Education) | July 31–August 2, 2026 | Virtual
https://theartofeducation.edu/now/
•LEAD Conference | August 11-14, 2026 |Philadelphia, PA
https://web.cvent.com/event/17bdd852-b76e-4a4c-bf53-1f67fa1ee7b1/summary
• NDEO Conference | September 24–27, 2026
https://www.ndeo.org/Learn/Conferences/NDEO-Conference-2026
2027 Conferences — Proposals Due Soon:
• NAEA National Convention | March 4–6, 2027 | New York, NY | Proposals due June 30, 2026, https://www.arteducators.org/events-and-opportunities/national-convention/
Supporting Student Members
One of DARTS’ primary goals for 2026–2027 is strengthening support for student members. Current students are invited to complete a short survey (https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7TCkyPcxdYKrBAi) to help shape future programming, networking opportunities, and student meetings throughout the upcoming academic year. Student feedback will directly influence how DARTS creates meaningful opportunities for emerging professionals in arts and special education.
For additional information, students may contact Lucia del Valle Penella at [email protected].
Become a DARTS State Ambassador
DARTS is currently seeking passionate individuals to serve as State Ambassadors. This leadership opportunity is designed for educators, artists, advocates, and researchers who are committed to bridging the arts and special education. State Ambassadors will help foster inclusive arts environments, build professional networks, share resources, and advocate for accessible, multisensory arts pedagogy across their regions. Whether your expertise is in music, visual arts, theatre, or dance, your voice can help shape a more inclusive future for learners.
Interested individuals may contact Cody Puckett at [email protected] for more information.
Special Election Announcement: President-Elect
DARTS will hold a special election to fill the role of President-Elect, with the selected candidate beginning service in June 2026.
Members interested in self-nominating should submit:
• A professional photo
• Affiliation information
• A brief biography
• A statement describing their interest in the position and connection to the DARTS mission
• Confirmation of active DARTS membership
Election Timeline:
May 15, 2026 Nomination materials due to Kathleen Farrand
May 22 – June 5, 2026 Online election open to members
June 2026 New officer announced at the DARTS Board Meeting and shared with membership
New Issue of JASE Now Available
Volume 6, Issue 1 Highlights Include:
• A 10-year reflection on DARTS and its impact on arts advocacy
• An interview with musician and disability advocate Lachi
• A review of Artful Instruction focused on accessible art education
• A community partnership promoting inclusive dance
• A systematic review examining puppetry for teaching social skills
• Practical strategies for inclusive community theatre programs
Read the full issue here:
https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/jase/vol6/iss1/1/
JASE is also currently accepting submissions for future issues, including scholarly papers and cover art. Submission guidelines and information can be found here:
https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/jase/
Thank You, DARTS Community
The work of DARTS is only possible because of the educators, researchers, artists, students, and advocates who continue to champion meaningful arts experiences for every learner. Thank you for all you do to make the arts accessible, empowering, and transformative for each and every student.
Jasmine Begeske
DARTS President