Tag: Advocacy
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Empowering Music Educators: Leadership Academy Insights by Stephanie Bonitz, Editor
Great music education doesn’t stop at the podium, it requires vision, strategy, and bold leadership. That’s where the Charles H. Benner Leadership Academy comes in. As OMEA’s leadership initiative, the academy empowers current and rising music educators across Ohio to step up, refine their skills, and help shape the future of our profession. Originally launched…
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Advocating for Music Education: Lessons from Capitol Hill by Austin Ahlborn
Arts and music education inherently bring people together. During recent visits to congressional offices, our advocacy team was repeatedly reminded of this universal appeal. Lawmakers and staff members from all backgrounds frequently shared their own personal connections to music and the arts. While advocacy work involves many moving parts, its true foundation relies entirely on…
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Alumni Programming-Connecting Generations-RAMP by Amy Phillips
From our Winter 2026 edition of the OMEA TRIAD, this article details the community engagement possibilities for school districts across the State of Ohio. Ben and Nancy Rose, Lima Senior High School graduates, initiated the Rose Alumni Music Program (RAMP) in 2017, connecting alumni in music with current students. The multi-generational project enhances students’ experiences,…
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Knowledge is Power: Leveraging Public Information to Advocate by Austin Ahlborn
Written for our Winter 2026 edition of the OMEA TRIAD, this article is still relevant today as music educators navigate our changing education systems. Music educators can advocate effectively by understanding district finances and policies, particularly through board meeting minutes and contracts. Using public records requests can further enhance advocacy efforts by providing essential data…
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Music Is Essential: A Message That Resonated in Columbus
The 2026 Ohio Music Education Association Professional Development Conference in Columbus once again demonstrated the strength, unity, and vision of Ohio’s music education community. Each year, this gathering provides opportunities for professional growth, collaboration, and inspiration, but this year’s conference also highlighted something equally important: the growing recognition of music education as a vital component…
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Knowledge is Power- by Austin Ahlborn
School districts in Ohio must maintain transparency, allowing access to information crucial for advocating for music programs. Understanding school operations, the teachers’ contract, and public records empowers educators to effectively support their programs and themselves. Knowledge of financial documents and communication is vital for successful advocacy within the educational system. —Stephanie Bonitz, Editor School districts…
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Music is Essential: A Message That Resonated in Columbus- by Danielle Shaub
The 2026 Ohio Music Education Association Conference underscored the vital role of music education in children’s learning. State Representative Dontavius Jarrells highlighted the importance of collaboration between educators and policymakers. His remarks reinforced music education as essential, fostering key skills for student success and advocating for continued support and access in schools—-Stephanie Bonitz, Editor The…
