A.I.M.'s partnerships

Arts Integration Menomonie (A.I.M.) encompasses a formal partnership between the University of Wisconsin-Stout and the School District of the Menomonie Area (SDMA) through shared efforts to:

1) increase the capacity of teachers to design and implement collaborative arts integration in Wisconsin schools, and

2) retain teachers in the field through supportive collegial networks; arts-integrated teaching practices; and increased confidence, resilience, and job satisfaction.

Having a focus on sustainable collaborations, UW-Stout and the Menomonie School District strive to help teachers grow as professionals and increase their enjoyment in the profession; both partners highlight the arts as an essential component of teacher education and professional development.

University of Wisconsin - Stout

UW-Stout is best known for being Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University, a designation which highlights its combination of applied learning, real-world experiences and a solid liberal arts foundation. UW-Stout is also known as the first Baldrige award recipient for higher education. UW-Stout offers 48 undergraduate and 26 graduate degrees to over 9,500 enrolled students; and it has a high job placement rating among all of its programs (98%).  UW-Stout has award-winning programs in teacher education and art & design. The Art Education program is accredited by two national organizations, NASAD and CAEP. The Early Childhood Education program has its own state-of-the-art lab school, the Child and Family Study Center, accredited by NAEYC.                    

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school district of the menomonie area

The School District of the Menomonie Area (SDMA) is part of a diverse community dedicated to preparing ALL students to become lifelong learners, caring individuals, and responsible citizens.  The district serves more than 3300 students within five K-5 elementary schools, Menomonie Middle School, Menomonie High School, and nine community-based 4K centers.  The five elementary schools in the district are Knapp Elementary, Oaklawn Elementary, River Heights Elementary, Wakanda Elementary, and Downsville Elementary.  Formal arts instruction in music and visual art is required through grades 8.  The school district’s curriculum vision is “Preparing all students for successful transitions and post-secondary readiness for college and career."

p.a.i.n.t community partnerships

Arts Integration Menomonie (A.I.M.) also partners (informally) with community organizations as part of its P.A.I.N.T. (Program for Arts Integration for New Teachers) program. Participating in PAINT internships, UW-Stout students gain hands-on teaching experience via 40-hour “internships” over the course of a semester, where interns have opportunities to practice teaching in and through the arts.  Community partners gain free arts classes for its participants taught by skilled university students. 
For community partners, AIM seeks:  

  • Community organizations which can provide authentic teaching experiences to pre-service teachers.

  • Community organizations that can ensure participants will attend the arts-based class(es).

  • Programs and organizations that share a commitment for education and the arts.

    A.I.M.’s community partners for p.a.i.n.t. internships include:

  • The Boys and Girls Club of the Chippewa Valley

  • Child and Family Study Center, UW-Stout

  • Menomonie Parks and Recreation Department

  • Peace Corps, Botswana

  • Menomonie Homeschool Group

  • Dunn County Jail

  • Bridge to Hope

  • The Arc of Dunn County

  • Menomonie Community Education