IAAE Advocacy Day 2025
Members of the West Music Team took part in the Iowa Alliance for Arts Education Advocacy Day at the State Capitol in Des Moines. Members included Aaron Hansen, Amanda Halliday, Aric Pearson, and Nicole Williams. IAAE is a state organization that provides advocacy and support for arts teachers and arts programs throughout Iowa. It covers all areas of fine arts education, such as instrumental music, vocal music, elementary/general music, speech, drama/theater, and dance.
IAAE continues to provide resources, support, and guidance for fine arts educators throughout the state. They work hard with legislators to secure support for the fine arts. The Mentor Program is funded partially by IAAE and the State of Iowa, which means a day such as Advocacy Day has become even more critical as we continue to advocate and educate our legislators. The day was full of positive conversations with legislators, educators, and students.
"Fine Arts Education is vital to all children in Iowa for many reasons. First and foremost, the fine arts help to educate the whole child. It is one of the few areas where students can connect emotionally, kinesthetically, and visually while creating a community where everyone belongs. For so many students, their fine arts education becomes their home and safe place, which is essential. In the fine arts, all are welcome and able to grow together. The Alliance helps to promote this, assist teachers in promoting their programs, and advocate for more support.
Advocacy is essential for teachers, especially newer ones. One of the highlights of the Alliance has been the Mentor Program. This program is designed to connect a seasoned teacher with a newer teacher to collaborate and discuss teaching strategies, lesson planning, classroom management, advocacy, and other issues that newer teachers face today. The mentors can help guide new teachers, keep them excited and engaged about their teaching, and support them when they struggle. The program also includes in-person classroom visits where teachers connect and see teaching and learning in action. In rural areas, many fine arts teachers are the only person doing the job, which means they don’t have colleagues to contact, making this program even more valuable.
One of my favorite conversations was with a Legislator from NE Iowa. He shared with me and Aric that he grew up playing drums and loved all of his music experiences. He also understood the importance of providing support to teachers in rural areas of the state. He was extremely supportive of the Mentor Program and pledged his full support."
"My most memorable moment of the day was meeting with a representative from SW Iowa who shared his support for us, but also his history of singing in various choirs in his younger years. It was refreshing to see bipartisan support for the arts, which reinforces that they are for everyone at every level of society – it was great to share how music shaped my life and hear how music positively impacted their lives as well.
This experience highlighted the importance of civil engagement and participating in the political process; we can do more than vote, and we should. It’s important to put boots on the ground, get out there, and make your voice heard. As musicians and advocates, our voices are more influential than we realize and the importance of using them cannot be overstated. As a parent too, it’s our job to do everything we can to secure a brighter future for our kids and sitting back and hoping for the best won’t make that happen."
Amanda Halliday
Aric Pearson
"This event was a powerful reminder that the experience of our students is impacted by decisions made far beyond the classroom. At the capitol, we made personal connections with legislators to reinforce the critical importance of the IAAE mentorship program. Seeing the messy, informal, and outdated political machinery working in our capitol was like traveling back in time. It’s a reminder that face-to-face interactions and deeply personal stories are the most effective vehicles to tell our stories and to stand up for our values."
"One of the most memorable moments of the day was meeting with a representative who grew up in a rural town with no access to music education. Despite not having those opportunities herself, she saw firsthand with her own children how valuable the arts are and now deeply values their importance. Her appreciation for the arts was clear, and she emphasized their role in developing creativity, discipline, and confidence in young people. That conversation reminded me why we do this work because arts education isn't just about creating artists; it's about shaping well rounded individuals.
So, what did I take away from the experience? Advocacy isn’t a one day event; it’s an ongoing effort. It’s showing up, speaking up, and following up. It’s making sure arts education remains a priority, not an afterthought. And most importantly, it’s about reminding people whether in government or in our local communities that the arts aren’t 'extra.' They’re essential.
If you’ve ever thought about getting involved, do it. Your voice matters. Your story matters. And the future of arts education depends on all of us stepping up and making sure it stays front and center.
Let’s keep the conversation going because when we advocate for the arts, we’re advocating for something much bigger than ourselves."
Nicole Williams
West Music is dedicated to helping every student experience the magic of the arts. Visit us in-store to get the conversation going with a West Music associate on how you can help support your arts community.