For some of our listeners, arts and culture from kindergarten through high school were guaranteed. Woodshop, cooking classes and of course art classes were a part of the curriculum. 

As the decades have gone by, less money to schools means less resources. Oftentimes the first things cut from the budget are the arts. 

But, educators who work within the K-12 school system want the arts to stay. They say it's essential to a well rounded education and helps create more open-minded and empathic people. 

Meghan Collins is Museum Educator for K-12 and Family Programs at the MSU Broad Art Museum. She is also an Assistant Professor of Art Education in MSU’s Department of Art, Art History, and Design. 

In 2024, she was named the 2025 Museum Educator of the Year by the Michigan Art Education Association.