This article articulates how a community-based art education (CBAE)-driven theoretical framework can inform and inspire leaders in the field who are in a position to rethink or revitalize the curriculum of an art + design education department. While this framework was specifically developed to invigorate the program the author currently oversees as an outcome of her experience with the 2022 National Art Education Association (NAEA) School for Art Leaders, it can be generalized and applied to other settings with the intent of fully contextualizing meaningful learning for preservice art educators or K-12 students. Further, it can serve as a potential prototype for repositioning art teacher preparation programs as they struggle to meet the changing needs of future educators.