We've got a big announcement coming this Friday about the 2018 CEA & AMP Annual Convention. Stay tuned...

View the full schedule here!

Honoring Jan Rowland, AACS Past President

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Jan Rowland, Past President of AACS and Founder of the Hair Design School of Kentucky.

A nationally recognized leader in the cosmetology industry, Jan opened the Hair Design School in 1972 with just one location; when she retired in 2008, she had built the business to six campuses. In 1999, she was named AACS Director of the Year, and from 2000-2001, Jan proudly served as AACS President. In 2005 she was awarded the prestigious N.F. Cimaglia Award.

In lieu of flowers, the Rowland Family has asked that you make donations in Jan's name to the Beauty Changes Lives Foundation which empowers individuals through educational scholarships. To donate, you can text BEAUTY to 91999 or online by clicking here. Donations can also be made in Jan’s memory to U of L Autism Center, Attn: Lisa Warner, 132 E. Gray Street, Louisville, KY 40202.

We are inspired by the opportunity to continue Jan's legacy in the cosmetology industry, and on behalf of AACS Membership will be donating to Beauty Changes Lives Foundation in her name.

Last week, members of the Committee on the Education and the Workforce had the opportunity to question Education Secretary Betsy DeVos about many different priorities for the future of education in this country.  While Republicans and Democrats have different thoughts on approaches to education, a theme emerged: the Senate needs to pass the bipartisan Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (H.R. 2353).

This push should come as no surprise, since a survey from New America found that 90 percent of Americans think that apprenticeships and skills development programs prepare people for a good standard of living.

Last year, the House unanimously passed legislation to strengthen earn-and-learn opportunities for Americans who are looking to gain the skills they need to succeed in a good-paying job, but students are still waiting for the Senate to act on this opportunity.                                          

To read more about this survey and the need for Senate action, click here.

In 2018, 46 states convened a legislative session that produced approximately 300 bills of interest to AACS member schools.  Please join us for a webinar reviewing key 2018 state public policy trends – including deregulation, the reduction of hours for licensure, apprenticeships, and licensure reciprocity.

During this "What’s Happening in States?" webinar, Brian Newman, AACS' State Relations Advisor, will:

• Review key bills from 2018;
• Discuss the state legislative and regulatory trends that may impact your school(s) in 2019 and beyond;
• Discuss legislator outreach strategies that you can implement this summer and fall; 
• Answer your specific questions during a Q&A session

Click here to register for this free webinar.

Individuality has never been more important in our educational community—today’s generation of learners is a generation of individuals. In every aspect of their lives, their individualism is celebrated. To educators, this translates into a need to zig and zag to personalize learning for each and every learner. Educators need to be mindful of these learning differences and fuel their teaching with tools that work.

Effective educators will use strategies based on critical thinking skills, case studies and relevant situational scenarios to enrich the learning process. Classrooms that are wired, focused on content and inspired by momentum lead the way in today’s learning environment.

Presented by Paul Suttles, Daniel Dunworth, Corey Hawkins, and Jamie Jones of Pivot Point.

Haven't gotten your tickets to CEA & AMP yet? What are you waiting for?! Click here now.

One of the most fulfilling aspects of being a stylist, esthetician, or barber is the ability to positively effect a client’s life. To make them feel better about themselves; to be a source of sound advice; or to simply listen during difficult times.

As educators, we take it to another level – we have the opportunity to play that role for our students. Instructors do so much more than educate - we are sources of inspiration, mentors, and beacons of hope during challenging times. Soon, our students are professionals in the real world, and whatever impact we had on them in the classroom ripples out to their clients. Being a beauty & wellness educator is truly the best way to give back to our industry.

How have you directly affected the life of a student - by being a voice of encouragement, a role model or by helping them though a challenging life experience? What was that “ah-ha” moment where you realized what you do enriches countless lives?

Share your experience of helping the next generation of beauty professionals - by encouraging them not only to succeed, but to pay it forward.

One winner will receive:

• an all-expenses paid trip to the 2018 CEA & AMP Convention in Las Vegas, NV (airfare, 3 nights hotel, ground transportation, and registration fee)
• $200 spending money
• a GHD styling tool
• 15 minutes of stage time for presentation in front of an estimated 300+ audience
• Prizes proudly sponsored by Wella

Click here to learn how to enter the Paying it Forward contest.