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Westfield State Alum Kristine Daniels '93, who currently works at Albert F. Ford Middle School in Acushnet, has been selected, along with one of her coworkers, to join a national network aimed at strengthening arts education nationwide. Kristen, an art teacher, was chosen to work with the Connected Arts Network (CAN), which is creating federally funded virtual professional learning communities. The goal of these communities is for Daniels and other art educators to develop a network of peer-to-peer learning groups to improve teaching skills, share effective strategies, and enhance student learning in the arts. Through monthly virtual meetings, workshops, and the ability to observe other teachers' classrooms online, each piece of data only strengthens art educators and their ability to develop new and more concise ways to teach art education.  

Following graduation from Westfield State, Daniels began working at Albert F. Ford Middle School, where she still works today. Also, earning her National Board Certification in Early Adolescent/Young Adult Art in 1999 signifies an advanced understanding of art and the ability to apply principles of art education to enhance student learning. Daniels didn't stop there, though, and earned a master's degree in art education from the Art of Education University in Osage, Iowa, in 2023. Showing an impressive and growing history of art education! Daniels stated in an interview with the Standard Time reporter David DeMille, "I am looking forward to learning about what educators in other regions and school settings are doing to improve their instructional skills and create impactful arts experiences for students. Being able to collaborate and share ideas with other art educators when so many of us are usually the only art teacher in our building is very meaningful to me." Daniels is truly connected not only to teaching, fueled by passion, but also to her students, serving as the advisor of the art club and a member of the student-faculty rock band! 

Truly, they could not have chosen a better candidate! Congratulations, Kristine Daniels. We are excited to see how you will enhance the future of art education! 

To read more about Kristine, click the link here!