Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE)

Arts Education Advisory Council

The Arts Education Advisory Council advises the Commissioner and Board of Education on matters pertinent to the development of arts education in the Commonwealth. This includes examining statewide trends and needs, seeking public and professional input, identifying model programs, and making recommendations on policies and programs for the dance, music, theatre, and visual and media arts components of the Massachusetts Arts Curriculum Framework.

SY 2024-2025 Meeting Schedule

DateTimeLocation
Thursday, October 24, 20243:00–4:30 p.m.Virtual
Thursday, November 21, 20243:00–4:30 p.m.Virtual
Thursday, January 16, 20253:00–4:30 p.m.Virtual
Monday, March 24, 20253:00–4:30 p.m.Virtual

Council Members

Council members reflect a wide range of perspectives and activities in arts education. They include arts teachers and directors, practicing artists, professors of arts education, and staff members from arts organizations. All of the arts disciplines are represented.

NameTitleInstitution
Jackie CarveyMusic Educatorformerly Arts|Learning
Kathleen DaileyFine Arts TeacherReading Memorial High School
Richard DaviesArt TeacherNatick Public Schools
Cari DiCiccoK–12 Arts CoordinatorEverett Public Schools
Ashley DokeArt TeacherNorth Reading Public Schools
Amy DragoDistrict-Wide Art TeacherWakefield Public Schools
Priscilla Kane HellwegTeaching Artist and CEOArts Integration Studio
Julie JaronDirector of Visual and Performing ArtsSpringfield Public Schools
Simone KivettArt TeacherLynn Public Schools
Craig LangloisEquity of Learning District Data CoordinatorPittsfield Public Schools
Sarah Cadieux PachecoTeaching and Learning Specialist (Fine Arts)New Bedford Public Schools
Katherine RamsayVisual Arts Teacher/District-Wide Curriculum Content Leader (Visual Art)Tyngsborough Public Schools
Lauren Saracino (AEAC CO-CHAIR)Assistant Curriculum Director for Fine and Performing ArtsWeymouth Public Schools
Lynn Souza (AEAC CO-CHAIR)Director of Fine Arts (K–12)New Bedford Public Schools
Lisa StruppaVisual Arts TeacherUxbridge Public Schools
Jamie UllrichExecutive DirectorRehearsal for Life
Avery WingArt TeacherHuntington Public Schools
Andrea WivcharLead Music Teacher K–8Chelsea Public Schools

Contact Information

Advisory Council Chair:

Ms. Lynn Souza
Director of Fine Arts K–12
New Bedford Public Schools
455 County Street, Room 236
New Bedford, MA 02740
508-997-4511 ext. 14104

Ms. Lauren Saracino
TBD

Resources

Councils' Meeting Minutes

Coming Soon

Last Updated: March 19, 2025