Divisive Concepts Laws Town Hall

In fall 2023, led by Karen Salvador, PhD, and Ryan D. Shaw, Assistant Professors of Music Education at Michigan State University, NAfME conducted a follow-up survey of music educators on how divisive concepts laws are affecting them and their music programs. In this town hall learn about this second survey’s findings and resources to help you navigate these laws.

Presenters: Karen Salvador and Ryan Shaw

Karen Salvador, PhD, is a member of the NAfME National Executive Board and sits on the NAfME Equity, NAfME Professional Learning and Partnerships, and Journal of Music Teacher Education Editorial Committees. Salvador is Assistant Professor of Music Education at Michigan State University. She directs the early childhood music education programs at both MSU Community Music Schools, teaches early childhood and elementary general music methods courses, and facilitates graduate seminars on research, psychology, and philosophy. Prior to her appointment at MSU, Salvador held a similar position at the University of Michigan-Flint, and she has taught elementary general music and choir in school and community settings in Michigan and New Zealand. Salvador’s research interests center on how music educators meet individual student needs in early childhood and elementary settings, the lived experiences of music educators working to become more inclusive, and music teacher education for equity and justice. Her research is published in the Journal of Research in Music Education, International Journal of Music in Early Childhood, Arts Education Policy Review, Journal of Music Teacher Education, Update: Applications of Research in Music Education, and Music Educators Journal.

Ryan Shaw is Assistant Professor of Music Education at Michigan State University’s College of Music, where he teaches a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses. Shaw received his Ph.D. in Music Education from Michigan State University and earned master’s and bachelor’s degrees in music education from the University of Michigan. His scholarly interests include arts education policy and the ways that policy affects music teacher stress, planning, and instructional practices. Prior to teaching at the college level, Shaw taught middle and high school in Michigan.