Learn why National Board Certification is respected and how it can help you grow in your art education career.

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) is a non-profit organization that aims to advance the quality of teaching and learning. It does this primarily by offering National Board Certification, a rigorous, voluntary assessment process that recognizes accomplished teachers. National Board Certification is the gold standard in teaching and signifies excellence and commitment to the profession. Becoming an NBCT will help you be a more effective art teacher and advocate for your art program.

National Board Certification will prompt your professional growth.

The greatest benefit of the National Board process is that it will help you to become more thoughtful and deliberate about every aspect of your practice. As you analyze your teaching practices, gather evidence of student learning, and engage in rigorous assessment, you’ll gain valuable insights into your strengths and areas for improvement. This reflective process will empower you to refine your instructional strategies, enhance your assessment methods, and deepen your understanding of how students learn in the context of art education. You’ll emerge from the certification process with renewed confidence, a refined skillset, and a heightened commitment to lifelong learning—all of which translate to a more impactful and fulfilling teaching experience.

National Board Certification will increase student learning and achievement.

As you improve your teaching practice, you will notice your students’ attention and skills improve. As you create the rigorous lessons required for certification, your students will become more versed in critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, and communication. These are crucial skills that will set them up for success for the rest of their lives. The National Board also encourages teachers to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment. As you model these traits and demonstrate your commitment to building a culture of learning, you will notice students naturally following suit!

National Board Certification will help your community. 

The first thing that draws a lot of teachers toward National Board Certification is the financial incentive. Many districts offer a stipend or step increase as a reward for those who meet the rigorous standards. Districts recognize that National Board Certified Teachers provide a tremendous benefit to the community!

Many districts also offer recognition at school board meetings or similar public events. This can elevate your visibility among administrators, enhance your credibility, and make advocacy for your art program more impactful. Repurpose the required writing component into informative flyers to accompany student work displays, foster community engagement, and increase understanding of the value of art education. Ultimately, the skills you hone in articulating the impact of your educational practice will equip you to be a powerful advocate for your program, ensuring its continued growth and success for the benefit of your students and the community as a whole.

Discover the four components of National Board Certification and tips to tackle the process with confidence!

Know the four components of National Board Certification.

Teaching is a complex job. Just as effective teachers segment instruction and provide clear criteria for success, the National Board helps teachers to focus on different aspects of their job to target growth. In order to become an NBCT, you will need to create a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency across four key components.

Here’s a snapshot of the four components:

1. Content Knowledge
   This component assesses your understanding of the subject matter you teach and your ability to convey it effectively to students. It typically involves a computer-based assessment.
2. Differentiation in Instruction
   This component focuses on your ability to adapt your teaching to meet the diverse needs of your students. You’ll need to provide evidence of how you differentiate instruction to support all learners.
3. Teaching Practice and Learning Environment
   This component evaluates your classroom management skills, your ability to create a positive and engaging learning environment, and your use of various instructional strategies to promote student learning.
4. Effective and Reflective Practitioner
   This component focuses on your ability to reflect on your teaching practice, analyze student learning data, and make adjustments to improve student outcomes.

Each component requires you to submit evidence of your teaching practice, such as video recordings, student work samples, lesson plans, and written reflections. Many people tackle the certification process by segmenting it and focusing on two components per year.

Set yourself up for success.

Trying to tackle all four components at once can be overwhelming. Instead, take your time. Most teachers find it manageable to tackle two components per year. Familiarize yourself with the requirements early and often, paying close attention to the evidence needed, including photographs and videos, so you can plan ahead. When writing your submissions, prioritize the rubric over style. Structure your writing to mirror the rubric, using keywords followed by concise statements of evidence. This approach may feel disjointed, but it ensures clarity and facilitates efficient scoring.

Get parental consent right from the start.

You will need to record lesson videos to submit as evidence. While the video should focus on you and your instruction, it’s a good idea to think through privacy concerns. Strategically select a class with minimal or no students on your school’s media denial list to streamline the consent process. Parental consent forms are always necessary and it is generally easier to obtain them from parents who have already consented to the school’s media policy. 

Study a little every day.

Content Knowledge can be one of the most intimidating components. Art history encompasses basically all of human history from around the world including artifacts that predate recorded history. On top of that, art teachers need to have knowledge of materials and methods for artistic production. If that feels overwhelming, remember that the test is not about trivia. It is aimed at assessing whether you know enough to do the job well. 

Most of the information you need to know is stuff that you likely already know. Still, studying and learning will help you feel more confident. Review PRO Learning’s Packs on art history and media to grow your repertoire of artists and vocabulary. These Packs provide a quick and deep dive into various topics with short, engaging videos.

Take advantage of free learning resources.

One free resource is podcasts! Listen to podcasts during your commute to and from school. Art Ed Radio has hundreds of episodes to help you gain new insights into all aspects of the art teacher profession. Shows like ArtCurious and Who ARTed can help you not only learn facts from art history but also hear how others analyze and describe pieces. You can also go on a free virtual museum tour with smARTee. There are some wonderful YouTube channels, such as Great Art Explained, which tackle a fair amount of depth in 15 minutes. 

Be intentional with how you respond.

It’s inevitable that some students will do something unexpected. The evaluators understand this reality. It’s okay if a student blurts something out without raising their hand or behaves inappropriately on camera. It’s how you respond that matters the most! Respond appropriately to re-direct and get things back on track, then reflect accordingly in your writing.

Along the same lines, you may need to write about an artwork you have never seen before. Remember the purpose of the essays is to evaluate how you respond to art. If you have no background knowledge of the specific piece, take a formalist approach. Describe the elements as you see them, then share connections and inferences. As long as you provide evidence to support your ideas, you’ll do fine!

Artists and art teachers are always looking for ways to grow and improve. If you haven’t considered National Board Certification, now’s a great time to think about it! Working toward National Board Certification will refine your teaching practices and philosophy, boost student engagement, and help you advocate for your art program. Break the journey down into two years and focus on two components per year. Plan ahead, get parental consent, and study as you go to make the most of this art teacher adventure. Your commitment to excellence will leave a lasting impact and empower the next generation of artists and thinkers.

What advice would you give to an art teacher working on National Board Certification?

What questions do you still have about the NBCT process?

To continue the conversation, join us in The Art of Ed Community!

The post How to Become a National Board Certified Art Teacher: Steps & Benefits appeared first on The Art of Education University.

Discover how to harness your classroom leadership skills for a fulfilling career journey and give back to other art teachers along the way.

Recognize your value and share the wealth. 

Many art teachers underestimate the value of their specialized skills. Take a moment and think about how often a fellow teacher or community member has said something along the lines of, “I don’t know how you do it” or, “I could never do what you do.” Art teachers are experts in not only art media and techniques but also cultural competency, classroom management, community organizing, and more. Sharing your skills is an act of generosity that can mean the world to someone who is struggling. 

Reflect on your practice.

Many things that seem ordinary to you are extraordinary to others. Take time to reflect on your practice and identify your greatest strengths. As you think about your typical day, focus on the aspects that run smoothly or seem easy. Do you have a knack for learning students’ names? Are your transitions calm and orderly? Have you found a way to hook students and get them motivated in your lessons? Once you identify your areas of strength, think about the steps you took to succeed. 

Find your people. 

One of the biggest challenges many art teachers face is being the only art teacher or specialist in their building. It can feel very isolating! There are many spaces where art teachers can connect with other like-minded professionals, such as The Art of Ed Community. This online space is the best corner of the internet with fun and relevant activities like daily polls and Community Challenges. Follow your art teacher friends, make new ones, and spread the love by cheering posts and comments. Many art teachers are more than happy to connect with you!

Document everything! 

As you create lessons, remember to take pictures of the process and the product. Many art teachers use a document camera to record videos while they create sample projects and sub plans. These are invaluable resources for students to review asynchronously. It will also give you plenty of archived content to work with when you feel ready to share your secrets with others! Whether you decide to share on social media, start a blog, or lead a professional development session, pictures and videos go a long way to help your audience understand what you’re talking about.

Refine your skills. 

While art teachers are experts in many areas, we still love to grow and explore new things! If you’re looking for a way to level up your leadership skills, enroll in AOEU’s Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction. This graduate-level course will help you improve your professional practice and apply your art education background to leadership roles. With the Instructional Leadership in Art Education specialization, you will learn how to advocate for change in the field through building community connections, applying ethics, and writing grants. Reach out to an admissions counselor to learn more! 

Start local. 

You don’t have to travel far to step into a leadership role. Plus, starting locally can often make the biggest impact on your students! There are many opportunities even within your school and district.

Here are a few local options to consider:

• Welcome a student teacher to your classroom.
• Mentor a new art teacher in your district.
• Apply for a spot on the curriculum team.
• Join your building’s leadership team. 
• Take on a role as a building rep for your local union. 
• Lead after-school professional development during institutes or workshops.

Many districts provide opportunities and offer incentives to lead professional development. The incentives may be a credit toward a lane change or a stipend. If you have the opportunity, consider broadening your audience to teachers beyond the art room. Develop cross-curricular resources, share therapeutic art techniques, or teach colleagues to make more visually pleasing slides, anchor charts, and instructional materials. Remember, you have more to offer than art! 

Present at conferences.

Every state has an art education association and there is the National Art Education Association (NAEA). AOEU also hosts the world’s largest online professional development for art teachers with the NOW Conference each summer and winter. The NOW Conference features art teachers just like you who have the most innovative ideas in art education. 

One of the keys to presenting at a conference is to remember that adult learners are like the class of your dreams. The teachers who attend educational conferences are passionate about learning and growing and they welcome depth and expertise on topics. Still, just as with your students, adult learners crave inspiration. Take time to think about and plan a good hook and approach your presentation as a story. 

Join the conversation in podcasts.

Art Ed Radio is the gold standard for art education podcasts. In addition to art education-specific shows, look for podcasts in specific niches like art history, art crimes, or art mediums. There are tons of podcasts out there and many podcasters love to talk with someone who shares their passion. Send them an email to introduce yourself and what you can bring to the show!

Teaching is an art form. As a teaching artist, it’s natural to continue exploring new territory so you can learn, grow, and share your work with others. There is nothing more satisfying as a teacher than seeing others flourish and being a small part of their journey and discovery. As you continue to hone your craft and achieve success in your classroom, consider the ripple effect of sharing your wisdom with the broader community. Whether it’s mentoring a new teacher, joining a school committee, or enrolling in a leadership program, your unique perspective and expertise can ignite inspiration in others. What are you waiting for? Step into your role as a leader, generously share your knowledge, and help elevate the field of art education. 

What is the best piece of advice a fellow art teacher gave you?

Share a reservation you have about stepping into art teacher leadership.

To continue the conversation, join us in The Art of Ed Community!

The post How to Become an Art Teacher Leader and Drive Meaningful Change appeared first on The Art of Education University.

Let’s figure out what your art teacher expertise is and explore three pathways to becoming a recognized expert in the field.

Identify your art teacher expertise.

An expert is somebody who’s highly specialized in one specific area in their field. You have more knowledge, experience, and achievements in this area than most others. Start by reflecting on what makes you tick and what you’re passionate about. What do you get excited about? What’s something you can talk about for hours? This could be a specific philosophy of classroom management or a medium you love playing with and teaching. 

To help you identify your expertise, ask yourself the following:

• What is a moment in your teaching career when you saw something “click” for a student? 
• What aspect of your classroom or practice are you particularly proud of? 
• What methodology or philosophy in art education resonates with you? 
• What is a medium you love teaching to all grades? 

Next, get narrow. When we talk about expertise, the more specialized and niche you are, the better. Follow the expression, “An inch wide and a mile deep.” Get ready to dive into your topic through reading, listening, researching, learning, reflecting, iterating, and practicing.

Here are three examples of how you can take a passion area and make it a specialized area of interest:

1. Classroom management is broad. Specializing in The Glasser Model is specific.
2. Ceramics is broad. Alternative, non-glaze surface treatments for the K-12 art room are specific. 
3. Recycled art materials are broad. Service learning through recycled kinetic sculptures is specific.

1. Break down your focus into smaller, achievable goals.

Once you have your narrow focus, it’s time to break it down into small, achievable goals. There’s no formula for how long it takes to master something. Author Malcolm Gladwell popularized the idea that mastery takes 10,000 hours of practice. However, other researchers pointed out that the idea is a bit more nuanced. The key takeaway is getting good at something takes lots of practice!

Researcher Angela Duckworth is notorious for her research on grit and how we can develop grittiness in our students. Angela talks about the importance of setting small, achievable goals to reach your ultimate goal. This journey of going from novice to expert will take persevering through tons of practice, bumps, frustration, and even failure.

For example, let’s say you’re looking to grow your expertise in fiber arts, specifically embroidery on non-traditional surfaces. Break this big goal down into tiny, achievable steps:

• Gather materials.
  This doesn’t need to be the best of the best, but definitely buy or collect enough to practice and make mistakes! 
• Document your learning.
  Identify four surfaces to play with and create a sketchbook to document your progress, questions, and reflections. 
• Select your first surface.
  This is practice, so work small! Start with a hypothesis, investigate various stitches, and see how things turn out! Reflect on and record difficulties and areas of enjoyment.
• Create a challenge.
  Propose a problem for you to solve. Return to the surface again, but employ a different strategy or approach. 
• Repeat!
  Repeat this process for each of your different surfaces. Write an artist statement to accompany your multiple embroidery studies. 
• Learn from an expert.
  If you’re looking for an opportunity to explore fiber arts with an expert in the field, enroll in Studio: Fibers.

2. Find a mentor and become a mentee. 

Feedback from others interested in the same topic is another great way to grow your expertise. Experts can’t grow in a vacuum; you need critical feedback to stretch your understanding and consider alternate perspectives. Your mentor doesn’t necessarily have to be an art teacher. This can be a teacher in another content area who knows about a particular classroom management strategy or a museum curator who specializes in a specific art history period. 

Here are three simple steps you can follow to find a mentor:

• Identify someone you want to learn more from by joining and networking at a professional organization, on social media, in professional publications, or through a mutual colleague.
• Find an opportunity to connect, preferably in person.
• Make your request by sending an email or LinkedIn message, or speaking with them at the end of a conference presentation. 

If a mentor doesn’t seem to be in the cards, consider other options to get feedback. If you’re specializing in design thinking in the art room, look for an active Facebook group, attend a design thinking conference with working sessions, or take a course. Also, consider reading and research as feedback. Your “mentoring” can come from reading the work of experts in the field and using reflective practice to challenge your ideas and assumptions. 

3. Earn a credential, certificate, or degree.

One tried-and-true way of building expertise and credibility is to earn a credential. There is truth to the idea that the “piece of paper” in the form of a diploma or certificate of completion comes with a level of esteem. Plus, it’s a great way to grow your network, hold yourself accountable to learning, and formally build your resume. If you’re searching for a program that’s right for you, look for one that is highly specialized in your topic or one you can tailor to your needs. 

The Art of Education University offers focused graduate courses and an MEd in Curriculum and Instruction with three specializations built in: 

1. Inclusive Practices in the Visual Arts
   If you’re passionate about making art accessible to all of your students, this specialization is the one for you! You’ll gain an understanding of special education terminology, rights, and responsibilities so you can reach and teach all learners effectively.
2. Instructional Leadership in Art Education
   Are you eager to step into leadership or lead a team of art teachers? In this specialization, you’ll learn to advocate for change and drive meaningful impact through community connections. You’ll learn skills like ethical leadership, grant writing, and entrepreneurship.  
3. Arts Integration
   If you’ve been looking to infuse the arts across disciplines, this specialization is your pick. You’ll integrate creativity through art, build interactive experiences, explore emerging technology, and facilitate 21st-century learning. 

If you have questions on whether this is a good fit for you or how to get started, reach out to chat with an admissions counselor today!

Chat With Us!

As art teachers know best, learning is a lifelong venture. Refine your learning and focus on one thing you’re passionate about and have a knack for! Figure out your niche expertise and then break down your learning path into small, achievable goals. To help you grow through knowledge and feedback, find a mentor, attend a conference, join social networking groups, and do a lot of reading and researching. Gain credibility with a degree or certification, such as the MEd in Curriculum & Instruction, to help you build your network and resume. Embrace your passion and let your art teacher expertise shine so you can strengthen your teaching practice and enrich your students’ artmaking.

What is your area of expertise in art education? 

How do you plan on taking steps to grow in this area?

To continue the conversation, join us in The Art of Ed Community!

The post How to Become a Highly Specialized Expert in the Art Education Field appeared first on The Art of Education University.

Take part in the costume fun this year to ignite your creativity and enter to win a sweet prize! 

Incorporating fashion into art lessons adds a whole new level of excitement and engagement. It’s a unique way to teach art concepts and make lessons more memorable. When teachers express themselves through their clothing and accessories, they can visually represent art concepts and artists.

Not only can your artsy attire hook your students but it can also qualify you to enter the AOEU Costume Contest by November 1, 2024. The AOEU Community Team will select our top favorites and then we’ll bring it to YOU—the AOEU art teacher community—to vote for two winners! We will announce the winners on November 8. The best costume and a raffle winner will earn bragging rights and a pass to the Winter NOW Conference. Plus, we’ll send a gift card to your favorite coffee spot because it’s that time of year when you need an extra boost of caffeine and warmth.

Keep reading to see fantastic costumes from years past to inspire you! Then, gain practical classroom applications to bring fashion fun to your students.

Art Concepts

Dressing up as an art concept or style isn’t just for fun, it’s also super practical. Take a look at the seven examples below to discover how you can be a walking lesson exemplar. Get creative, think outside of the box, and let unique costume ideas bring art terms to life!

1. Color Wheel Wonder

Wear a multicolored outfit to represent the colors of the color wheel, like Kelly Dudek and her rainbow-inspired number. Bring in the team and get your colleagues to be different colors of your favorite supply like Erin Comer.

2. Texture Explorers

Incorporate different textures into your attire, such as a fuzzy sweater or a smooth satin top. To make a lasting impression, go over the top with a blow-up balloon costume like Amber Akes did!

3. Symmetry Superstars

Create a mirrored outfit or wear symmetrical patterns on both sides.

4. Shape Shapeshifters

Dress up as a specific geometric shape or with an outfit theme based on a geometric shape.

5. Line Lovers

Wear striped or checkered patterns or draw temporary lines on your face or limbs. Become your very own stick figure like Molly Fairbanks!

6. Perspective Pros

Experiment with clothing to create a sense of depth and perspective.

7. Value Vanguards

Dress in grayscale or black-and-white to show varying shades and tones.

Different Artists

Dressing up as different artists is not only fun but also a great way to learn more about them. Select your favorite artist or one featured in your next unit and become Leonardo da Vinci, Frida Kahlo, or Vincent van Gogh for a day.

1. Signature Style

Emulate the iconic look of the artist by dressing in their preferred style of clothing. For example, wear a funky hat and suit and draw a mustache to channel the spirit of Salvador Dalí.

2. Artist’s Palette

Create a costume inspired by an artist’s color scheme. Dress in clothing to resemble the hues and tones commonly used in their artwork. For instance, dress in bright, bold colors with black accents to represent the vibrant, abstract style of Wassily Kandinsky.

3. Artistic Accessories

Incorporate accessories to symbolize the artist’s work or personal life. For instance, wear flowers in your hair and find a stuffed monkey to depict Frida Kahlo, like Duangchai Swani and Dayna Ensminger.

4. Painted Masterpiece

Transform yourself into a living artwork by recreating a famous painting on your clothing or creating a wearable canvas. Paint your face to resemble a work of art like Andrea Lauren did to look like Roy Lichtenstein’s work.

5. Signature Props

Use specific props associated with the artist to represent their artwork. For example, carry a sunflower bouquet to reference Vincent Van Gogh’s sunflower series like these three teachers did.

How can you bring these fashionable ideas to your classroom and curriculum? 

You can bring the fashion fun to your own classroom as well! Students design costumes inspired by their favorite art style, movement, or medium. Students explain their costume designs and present their creations to the class. Check out this short video to see what this could look like in your classroom or as an added component to your art show. An exhibit like this fosters enthusiasm for learning, encourages self-expression, and celebrates the diverse world of art. It’s a fun way for students to explore their artistic preferences and showcase their creativity!

The AOEU Costume Contest is an amazing way to blend art and fashion with fun and learning! When students dress up, they bring art concepts and famous artists to life which enhances their learning experience. Costumes help them understand and remember art concepts more easily and they feel a stronger connection to what they’re learning. As teachers, let’s embrace the power of costumes and use the AOEU Costume Contest as a fun teaching tool to get students excited and involved. We can’t wait to see all of the creative and imaginative entries in this year’s contest. Let’s celebrate hands-on, immersive learning, self-expression, and the awesome mix of art and fashion!

What are some ideas you have for this year’s costume contest?

How do you encourage your students to dress for success in the art room?

The post Join Us for AOEU’s Costume Contest to Spark Creativity and Joy appeared first on The Art of Education University.

We’re thrilled to officially launch of The Art of Ed Community!

The Art of Ed Community is a dedicated professional online space where you can come together with other art teachers to discuss relevant topics, give and receive support, ask and answer questions, and share best practices. You’ll find engaging discussions, exclusive events, and a whole lot of fun. We’ve been working on this new offering for over a year and are so excited to share it with the world!

How do I join?

Joining the community is easy and free. Just click this link, “Request to Join,” and sign up for your account.

As soon as we approve your request, you can jump into conversations with thousands of other art teachers from across the world. Check out this video by AOEU’s Online Community Manager, Jen Leban, to learn more!

Here are five reasons we’d love for you to join us!

1. Engage in a trusted, moderated space with people who truly get you.

The Art of Ed Community is the perfect place to ask questions and receive support from others in the same situation. Created specifically for art teachers by art teachers, this community is fun and welcoming, with a set of comprehensive community guidelines to ensure conversations are positive and constructive.

The Art of Ed Community is moderated by AOEU’s Online Community Manager, AOEU’s Director of Community Engagement, and other AOEU team members, so you know you’re in great hands. Come hang out with us—it’s going to be so much fun!

Jessica Stuver, one of the art teachers in our pilot group, echoed these thoughts saying, “I’m not a huge fan of traditional social media. The fact that participants are verified and are who they say they are is a huge sense of comfort to me.”

Click here to join!

2. Gain access to exclusive conversations, ideas, and events.

The Art of Ed Community has discussions and content you can’t find anywhere else. Community conversations are not available anywhere outside of our community. Furthermore, as a community member, you can access our exclusive free monthly events! We’ll spend time chatting with experts and friends of the community, making art, and lifting each other up.

Each time you visit, you’re sure to find innovative ideas and strategies to add to your art teacher toolbox.

3. Connect with teachers across the globe.

The Art of Ed Community makes connecting easy! You can quickly identify which teachers are in which conversation spaces and see members who are geographically close to you. Not sure what to say? The Art of Ed Community will generate conversation starters based on shared interests. You also have the option to direct message other users or start a group chat.

Connecting with others is even more fun at our monthly events. We hope to see you there!

Finally, the mobile app makes it easy to access The Art of Ed Community anywhere, anytime. Download it now to keep your favorite group of people right in your apron pocket!

Download for iOS!

Download for Android

Lisa Rigsby, a pilot team member, shared how the community helped her feel connected again. “When I taught in high school, I had a group of other art teachers to connect with, but now that I have moved to a school as the single teacher, I don’t have that. It’s nice to have a community again!”

4. Rekindle your joy for teaching.

The education landscape is constantly changing and change can be hard. Hanging out with like-minded individuals and supporting one another is a surefire way to bring joy back to your teaching practice. Mitigate burnout with fun and engaging events, prizes, daily polls, discussion topics, and more. It’s like having access to the most fun art teacher hangout every day of the year.

5. Push the field of art education forward.

The Art of Education Community is the perfect place to learn from one another. Share your most innovative ideas. Ask thought-provoking questions. Challenge yourself to try something new with the support of others. In addition, members of The Art of Ed Community have the ability to contribute to content produced by AOEU, including our PRO and FLEX offerings. Share your thoughts about upcoming content, features, and what you’d like to see next!

The wait is over!

As an art teacher, it can be hard to find your people, but now, it doesn’t have to be. We’re so excited for you to join us! Simply click below to register for an account.

Click here to join!

We recommend using a personal email address so you can maintain community access if you switch schools. Once you’re in, you’ll see an additional verification email come through. Becoming verified allows us to build trust in the community and earns you a fun badge and the ability to be eligible for community prizes and giveaways!

Take it from pilot team member Francisco Matas who told us, “My favorite part of this community is the fact that I can interact with other teachers in a safe and friendly environment where I can be myself. I’m not bogged down by the typical social media distractions. There are opportunities to ‘meet’ people (virtually) I interact with and establish a network. I feel less alone because of this.”

We’ll see you over in the community!

The post 5 Reasons Why the Art of Ed Community is Your New Favorite Way to Connect Online appeared first on The Art of Education University.

If this sounds familiar, the first step is to check your contract for how many preps you are obligated to teach. If you would like to teach above what’s required, that’s great! If not, schedule a time to chat with your administrator and department chair to come up with a solution that works for everyone. The best thing you can do as an art teacher is to ensure you are taking care of yourself and your course load. This will allow you to show up well for your students each day!

Learn how to juggle and streamline your preps with finesse for more efficient use of your precious time! 

1. Keep it simple.

The sparkly lessons we see online or on our favorite art teacher influencer’s page are enticing! However, there may be ideas that will be a better fit for your classes. Don’t compare and overwork yourself to match the lessons you see on social media. As long as you meet the required standards and objectives, keeping your lessons and prep simple is okay!

2. Implement transition activities.

Bell ringers or exit tickets are great ways to transition your students from one activity to another. When students know the routine for entering or exiting the classroom, it gives you more time to greet, prepare, or finish any last details. Bell ringer activities can include a quick exercise listed on the board, a drawing prompt, grabbing supplies, or getting portfolios. At the end of class, students can reflect on their learning, ask clarifying questions, clean up, or set up the materials and tables for the next class.

3. Incorporate centers or stations.

For those long days when you lose your prep time to cover a class or are just really busy getting ready for back-to-school night or your art show, set up centers or stations! They are also great when you need a last-minute activity for a substitute teacher. Provide students with readily available supplies, like markers, pencils, and paper, along with a prompt or instruction sheet. Set these up in copy paper box lids at the beginning of the year so they’re ready to go when you’re short on time.

4. Teach students how to self-assess.

If all art teachers can agree on one task in the art room that takes up a lot of time, it would be assessment! When students self-assess, grading multiple projects and requirements at the same time is totally manageable. Plus, it reinforces introspection and communication. Try reflection journals, rubrics, and artist statements. 

Remember, not everything needs to be “officially” graded! Quick checks for understanding can be an easy grade if you walk around with a clipboard or your laptop. Have students flag their best five sketchbook pages for you to grade so you don’t have to flip through hundreds of books. At the end of a one-day lesson, stand next to a display board or long piece of bulletin board paper. Show students how to mount and display their work. Double-check and immediately input students’ self-assessments while they hang their work to be as efficient as possible! For more ways to streamline grading, watch the video below.

5. Use similar supplies for all classes. 

Using similar supplies across different grades and classes with minor modifications can simplify your prep. This approach reduces the need for vastly different types of materials and makes it easier to manage your inventory. See how Sarah Krajewski does a clay week and a fibers week with all of her grade levels. In elementary, focus on one medium and break it down into different project ideas for each grade level. If you have stacked classes at the high school level, select one medium for the whole class period and set varying requirements for each course or group of students.

6. Stagger long projects and deadlines.

Before you jump into a unit and assign due dates, take a few minutes to check your calendar. Space out all of your project deadlines, take into account events on the school calendar, and give yourself ample time to get grades in at the end of the quarter. If you’re teaching the same lesson to multiple levels or classes, stagger your start date so you can focus on one grade or course at a time.

7. Balance teacher and student-led options.

Offer both teacher and student-led options to cut your prep time in half. For instance, teach a lesson about an artist. Introduce the artist, examine and discuss their artwork, and explore the cultural context or associated art movement. Provide two projects inspired by the artist for the students to apply their learning. One will be a teacher-led project where you scaffold clear steps with a new technique, process, or medium. The other will be a student-led project (with your pre-determined requirements) where students put their own twist on an artwork or record their process in a visual journal.

8. Collaborate with colleagues.

Share lesson plans, resources, and ideas with others to lighten the load. If you work in a school with other teachers who teach the same course, share lesson plans, or take turns generating lessons and resources. If you don’t have other art teachers in your school, reach out to art teachers in your district or online for similar partnerships. Collaboration can bring fresh ideas and reduce the burden of planning everything yourself.

9. Download reusable resources.

Take some time now to start a digital organization system to archive lesson plans, student work, and resources. That way, when you need something, you’ll be able to quickly find it! Add pre-made resources so you don’t need to reinvent the wheel. If you need help figuring out where to start, FLEX Curriculum offers a robust library of standards-aligned lesson plans and classroom-ready, student-facing resources and assessments. Lesson plans like Visual Storytelling are great to tailor to multiple preps. Follow AOEU on social media so you don’t miss future complimentary downloads on the Magazine, too!

10. Assign jobs to student helpers.

Double your efficiency by delegating tasks. Assign responsible students to help you with routine tasks such as preparing paint, passing out paper, or sharpening pencils. Not only are you promoting student responsibility, but you are gaining precious minutes to manage other students or take a breather. Sometimes, we need to remember our best helpers are right in front of us. Many students love to organize and help! 

In a perfect world, art teachers will always have the capacity during the time given to get their pinch pots in a row. In reality, many art teachers juggle multiple preps in one schedule, whether that’s many classes per grade level or stacked courses in one room at the same time. Fortunately, there are many small things you can do to make your year and workload as streamlined and efficient as possible. Get started by keeping things simple, collaborating with other art teachers, and harnessing helpers. Adopt some of the tips above so you can breathe easier and stress less! 

What’s your go-to tip for staying organized with lots of classes and courses?

How do you streamline your workload with multiple preps? 

The post 10 Tips to Effectively Streamline Planning for Multiple Art Preps appeared first on The Art of Education University.

If you’re excited to plan for back-to-school, keep reading for four steps to prepare your art room, curriculum, and professional development for a successful year. 

1. Reflect and set goals for the year.

Preparing for the school year is easy with a solid plan. After all, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” Whether you are a new art teacher, a general education teacher switching to the art room, or a seasoned art educator, taking time to reflect and set goals is crucial for a successful year. Reflecting upon previous experiences allows you to assess what worked before and identify areas for improvement moving forward.

Here are some questions to consider as you reflect and set goals: 

• What worked well with my classroom setup? How can I rearrange things to improve student engagement and collaboration?
• Which lessons were student favorites? What made them so successful?
• Which projects or activities flopped? How can I tweak them to make them smoother?
  
• Research your student demographics and remember last year’s rosters. Brainstorm ways to approach the curriculum with an inclusive lens to meet student needs.
  
• Consider any behavioral issues faced. How can I take a more proactive approach? 
• Pinpoint some areas where I felt challenged. What specific resources or professional development can I seek out?

If you’re brand new to teaching art, use previous experiences as a student or from student teaching to reflect and set goals:

• What is one classroom environment that encouraged creativity and learning? What are some ideas I can incorporate into my classroom?
• What was a memorable art lesson that everyone was excited about? What strategies can I apply? 
• Think about one teacher who fostered a welcoming and supportive space. How can I cultivate that same feeling in my art room?
• Where do I feel most confident as an art educator? How can I harness this strength?
• What parts of teaching are still intimidating? What specific resources or support systems can I seek out? 

Once you’ve reflected on your past experiences, create specific and achievable goals. Goal setting allows you to review measurable changes in your teaching practice and classroom. Start simple with one or two goals. Mark your planner at the end of each quarter to check in, assess, and reflect! 

2. Set up your art room for efficient systems and routines.

Setting up your art room or cart is one of the more exciting tasks to prep for a new year. However, this can also be daunting if you are new to teaching, moving rooms, or transitioning to become a traveling art teacher. If you are feeling overwhelmed, take a breath! We have many resources for you to organize your space so your students can create magic.

Ask questions like the ones below to help you decide what systems and routines to focus on this year:

• Where will students use each major material or medium? 
• What is my system for distributing and collecting art supplies?
• Where will I display completed student artwork?
• Where will I store wet and dry in-progress work?
• How do I want students to move through the room? 

Watch these three YouTube mini-series to find answers to your specific art room needs:

1. Equip yourself with tips and tricks to add to your classroom management toolkit in Run the Art Room. Learn new ideas for how to enter and exit the classroom, prep art materials, and distribute and collect supplies.
2. Discover how to bring order to your art room with Artfully Organized. This series addresses the unique challenges and complexities of the art room and includes tips to tackle labeling, table caddies, learning target walls, and more. 
3. Explore fresh ideas to spruce up your art room in Art Room Makeover. Gain budget-friendly art room DIYs, decluttering and cleaning motivation, and bulletin board ideas.

3. Refresh and refine your curriculum and lesson plans.

You may have a curriculum to follow that you’d like to make your own this year. Maybe you perfected your scope and sequence but are looking for new twists and artists to keep things fresh. Perhaps you have nothing and have no clue where to even begin! No matter your lesson plan situation, FLEX Curriculum is here to help you cultivate a year of growth.

FLEX Curriculum is the ultimate K-12 Visual Arts curriculum with scope and sequences for each grade level, standards-aligned lesson plans, and student-facing resources and assessments. Everything is ready-to-go for the classroom and is flexible to fit your students’ specific needs.

While there are many updates to all grade-level content in FLEX, there are exciting new changes specifically for high school art teachers:

• Check out four new advanced drawing lessons about figure drawing, digital drawing, and more.
• Download 40 new student-facing drawing resources.
• Browse 126 updated lesson plans with fresh essential questions, differentiation tips, and linked videos.

4. Tap into lifelong learning through inspiring professional development. 

This is your year to nurture your growth as an art teacher as well! Professional development is a way to introduce new teaching methods, stay up-to-date on current trends and practices, gain innovative lesson ideas, learn fresh art techniques, and network with like-minded educators. If you wait until you have extra time or resources to dig into PD, your PD will likely not happen! It’s key to have a plan you can simply execute when things get busy.

Come up with a professional development plan to prioritize your growth and invest in your teaching career. Crafting your own PD plan instead of or in addition to general district PD will accelerate your learning—you’ll be able to customize goals to build on your strengths and pinpoint areas for growth.

If you’re looking for art education-specific PD created for art teachers, by art teachers, you’re in the right place! PRO Learning is an on-demand professional development with more than 200 Packs of teacher-facing videos and resources. Within PRO, there are several guides to help you craft your own PD plan. There are also several curated playlists to make your planning a breeze.

Here are our favorite PRO Packs for back-to-school:

• Organizing the Art Room for Choice
• Getting Started Teaching Art on a Cart
• Organizing Your Elementary Art Room for Success

If you want to harness ready-made curriculum and professional development resources this year, reach out to discover how to get your district to fund FLEX and PRO.

Starting a new school year is an invigorating time filled with mixed emotions and a very long to-do list. Take the intimidation out of the equation with the four tips above. Just like in artmaking, set aside time to ideate your year. Set goals for the new school year so you can have a confident start and guaranteed growth. Consider your art room space so you and your students can focus on artmaking. Explore how FLEX Curriculum and PRO Learning can streamline your planning and cultivate artistic and professional growth. With a little intentional planning, you got this school year!

Don’t miss these two articles packed with valuable back-to-school downloads:

1. The 8 Best Downloads for Art Teachers to Stand Out This Year 
2. Colorful Conversations: 9 Fantastic Resources to Enhance Communication in Your Art Room 

Where are you in the back-to-school planning process?

Identify one next step you will take this week so you can start the year with intention!

The post 4 Intentional Ways to Plan for Back to School in the Art Room  appeared first on The Art of Education University.

Get a headstart on art show planning and organization so you will have your best art show yet this spring!

Check out Art Show Secrets over on YouTube for an inside look at how two art teachers, elementary art teacher Sarah Krajewski and secondary art teacher Jenn Russell, prepare all school year for epic art shows. They share behind-the-scenes confessions of what it’s really like to put on a spectacular art show from start to finish. Gain their best art show secrets so you can throw your best art show yet!

Subscribe!

Get and stay organized.

Keeping track of hundreds of artworks throughout the year can be a daunting task. Establish solid systems at the beginning of the year and teach them to your students so they can help! Then, all you need to do is be consistent. Stick to your systems so you’ll be able to find everything you need come spring.

Here are some ways to organize student artwork:

• Ask the main office for manila file folders for each class to have an “art show” folder and a “works in progress” folder. 
• Students keep a log of their artwork on a chart attached to the outside of their portfolio with the artwork title, dimensions, medium, and date. Now the information is ready to go for any form or artist statement!
• Cut your drawing paper one inch smaller than standard construction paper. Mount finished pieces to construction paper for a polished “frame” on a budget. 
• Flag exceptional sketchbook pages with a sticky note to photograph or display later as you grade.
• Cut large sheets of colored bulletin board paper to the size of your display boards or walls. After each unit, attach the artwork to the paper. Carefully roll it up and place it in storage. When it’s time to hang the show, unroll and hang!
• Color code by class, period, or grade level to help easily sort and distribute artwork.
• Set up a photography station for students to document their artwork when they are done. Use this as an opportunity to build an archive of student samples for future years!
• Create sticker labels with every student’s name and place them on the back of the artwork that will be in the show. As the show nears, the sticker sheet will readily reveal which students still need to contribute. 

Bring clarity with a strong theme.

Create a theme to tie everyone’s artwork together. For younger students, sticking with a fun theme like Galactic Wonderland will make the show a magical experience. For older students, themes can be more complex or even student-generated. Often, advanced students are required to come up with their own theme or artistic intent for their body of work.

Here are three other theme options for a cohesive show:

1. Chronological Order
   Display work in chronological order based on the artists who inspired the works. Wouldn’t it be interesting to walk through time?
2. Cultural Studies
   Divide work into sections based on the cultures studied. Students stand by the displays and act as cultural ambassadors, sharing what they learned. Encourage viewers to explore by giving entrants a small printed “passport” that gets stamped by each cultural ambassador.
3. Portfolio Review
   Provide each student with a 3×5-foot sheet of bulletin board paper to arrange their best work on. Students will follow a predetermined checklist of requirements, including an artist statement and a short curatorial rationale.

Empower students to curate and run the show.

While you are more than capable of planning and executing a stellar art show by yourself, imagine how much better (and easier!) it would be if you had lots of helping hands. Student ownership is vital for a successful show. Allow students to curate the pieces that will be in the show. Additionally, harness your art club to run your art show. This will free you up on the day of the event to network with guests and enjoy the night!

Take advantage of readymade resources so you can focus on what matters.

Save yourself some work with the resources in FLEX Curriculum and PRO Learning. FLEX is a standards-aligned curriculum with tons of student-facing resources, artist bios, and assessments. PRO Learning is an on-demand professional development for art teachers by art teachers. Both have terrific resources to help you prep for your art show—all you have to do is download them!

Here are our top FLEX and PRO resources:

• Preparing Art for Presentation FLEX resource
• Art Show Preparation Checklist FLEX resource
• Showcasing Student Artwork Pack in PRO Learning

If you’re wondering how to get your district to provide these resources, reach out today to learn more!

Celebrate every artist!

Being chosen for the show is a significant achievement. Acknowledge this by sending a congratulatory note home with each student whose work is selected. The note can express your pride, along with details about the show’s date and when they’ll get their work back. For students eager to share the news with their families, email a picture of them holding their artwork. Just be sure to adhere to your district and school’s policies regarding taking and sharing student photos.

Harness the power of digital tools to augment the art show.

Phones and other electronic devices can present challenges and distractions in the classroom. However, with a little planning, use electronic devices to enhance the show experience! Create a guided tour of your art show, much like they offer at museums. This will give attendees something meaningful to do during the event and ensure all parts of your show get appreciation.

Follow these simple steps to create an audio or video tour of your art show: 

1. Select artworks or exhibits to feature.
2. Record an audio or video message for each. Include key details you want visitors to see and appreciate. Older students or your art club can make these for you!
3. Place the audio and video files in a Google Drive folder.
4. Set sharing permissions to “Anyone with link” as a viewer of the files.
5. Create a QR code for each file using an online generator. 
6. Optional: Add the QR code to a catchy sign with instructions using an online design program.
7. Print the QR codes and post them in the appropriate sections of your art show.
8. Display a welcome message at the entrance to the show informing visitors to look for your tour stops. 
9. To encourage more participation, consider making a game or puzzle. Hide a letter or clue at the end of each message and offer students bonus points if they figure out the mystery word or phrase! 

Be inclusive with a slide deck. 

When students have their greatness recognized by an audience beyond the classroom, it’s thrilling! While many have family and friends who happily attend, many others may not have anyone to invite or able to come. Creating a digital version of the art show can help those who are unable to attend feel included and assist loved ones with mobility challenges. Walk through the art show ahead of time to take photographs and record a video walk-through. Give each student their own slide or create a hyperdoc linking various collections.

In addition to sharing this digital documentation with your school community, share it with district supervisors and community stakeholders, and keep it as a fond memory of this special night. Plus, highlight it next school year on the first day of school and at back-to-school night to get parents and students excited for the upcoming year!

A great art show allows viewers to see more than just pictures on the wall. A great art show makes student work, growth, and pride visible. It showcases your curriculum and demonstrates the importance of art education. There are so many impactful moments in an art show—from large-scale collaborative installations, down to the quiet moments where a student explains their artistic choices to a curious family member. Embrace the planning process now, so you can empower your students to love and appreciate their art for years to come!

What is your top secret to putting on an amazing art show?

Show us a display you are proud of!

The post Get In On Our Best Secrets Now For an Epic End-of-Year Art Show! appeared first on The Art of Education University.

First, let’s differentiate between make and create in the K-12 art room:

1. Making often involves following specific instructions or a general process to replicate an example. This is usually about techniques, practicing skills, and understanding art fundamentals. Making could look like our students’ first pinch pots in the art room or shading a sphere with a charcoal pencil. 
2. Creating involves using problem-solving, experimentation, and personal expression to produce an original artwork. In the art room, this could look like students using the pinch pot method to design and construct a narrative vessel or shading the tip of a rounded nose in a Surrealist self-portrait. 

Both making and creating are vital in the art room and involve the production of a piece. Students need to learn technical skills and foundations before diving into personal expression. For example, set your students up for success by teaching color theory and facial proportions before diving into a conceptual self-portrait. 

Explore how to encourage creativity in the classroom with a shift from making to creating.

How do you get students to shift from simply making to creating?

How many times have you heard, “Is this good enough?” Oftentimes, our students get stuck going through the motions of making art. We find students looking at the rubric to meet the bare minimum for projects or copying ideas from their peers. Let’s break the cycle of mediocrity and guide students toward creating artworks they’re passionate about with the three approaches below.

1. Plan open-ended projects.

Design assignments that allow students to explore and make their own decisions. Provide an overarching theme or concept and some requirements. Then, let students interpret the assignment in their own way. Students love having the independence to make their own choices and the requirements allow you to meet objectives as well as boost creativity. Open-ended projects also discourage students from copying your example or their peers’ work.

2. Promote inquiry-based learning.

Encourage students to ask questions and explore topics on a deeper level. Model this by asking them questions that require them to explain or justify. Good questions can lead to a better understanding of their art and build more meaningful connections. Try the Six Word Memoir activity at the start of the year to help students reflect on their interests and identities in a new way. 

3. Foster experimentation and risk-taking.

Create a classroom environment that values experimentation and risk-taking. Remember, it’s okay to slow down and allow students to explore various materials and play with different techniques. Art should be fun! Let students try new tools and processes and let them learn as they go. Keep an ongoing, open discussion to discuss discoveries and limitations. 

Once your students are creating, how do you foster creativity in your classroom?

As artists and art teachers, we can forget what it is like to be new to art. It’s rare for students to walk through our doors already knowing how to be creative! Our students need our help to learn this mindset and habit. Let’s take a look at six ways we can foster creativity within our art rooms.

1. Model creative thinking.

Show students your creative process in your own artistic practice. Share how you approach projects, face challenges, and find solutions. Work on your art alongside your students. Use this time to discuss your thought process and decision-making using a Think-Aloud strategy.

2. Consider inclusive instruction.

Recognize that students have different learning styles and needs. The simplest way to meet everyone’s unique needs is to approach instruction with inclusivity and the 7 Principles of Universal Design. When you consider the needs of all students from the start, you will naturally have various ways for students to customize their artmaking experience. When you remove learning barriers, students are able to participate more meaningfully. And the best part? Different students with different needs can result in more originality in artistic voice and body of work!

3. Use real-world connections.

Connect art projects to real-world issues and events. This approach makes art more relevant for students and it gives them purpose. The problem-solving encourages them to think critically about how art interacts with the world and impacts their lives outside of the art room. 

4. Reflect, adapt, and then repeat.

Make time to reflect on your teaching practice and seek student feedback. Be open to shifting your methods to meet the needs of your students. When students feel heard and know you truly care about their growth, they will be more invested in your classroom and in their art. 

5. Document the process.

While the end product is also important, the process is where students can get curious and make wonderful creative discoveries! Encourage students to document their creative journey and reflect on their learning. Regular sketchbook assignments are perfect for students to record their ideas, experiments, and reflections. Connect the process with the final product in artist statements at the end of the unit. 

6. Include diverse artistic practices.

Another powerful way to get students to think out of the box is to expose them to new techniques, processes, and perspectives. Cover a range of cultures, time periods, and locations in the art and artists you share. Compare and contrast art from different times and places to highlight how art informs other art, so they can make connections to their own work as well. Show them all of the amazing things that are possible and invite them to find what art they love to create.

Whatever age of artists you have in your studio, producing art through making and creating is essential. If you’re looking for ways to make artmaking more meaningful this year, consider a creativity shift. You’ll watch your students go from step-by-step projects and “checklist assignments” to discovery, personal expression, and artistic voice! As an added bonus, you may also see a positive shift in your own artmaking as you experiment and explore alongside your students. Try the suggestions above to facilitate more one-of-a-kind masterpieces this year!

Equip yourself with these resources as you make a creativity shift:

• How to Rethink Creativity When It’s Gone Missing
• Cultivating Creativity in Our Students (Ep. 235)
• How to Embrace Limitations to Tap Into Creativity With Your Students
• 5 Surprising Things You May Not Know About Creativity

How do your studio and teaching practices support the creation process?

What strategies do you use to foster creativity? 

The post Make vs. Create: How to Encourage Creativity in the Art Room appeared first on The Art of Education University.

Keep reading to see what you will need to stay in art education for a long, fulfilling career!

Your time is valued.

One reason art teachers stay at their school long-term is because their time is respected. We don’t mind being asked to “do more,” especially when it’s a compliment to our skills and abilities. However, we do mind when it becomes an expectation and we are “voluntold.” It means so much when administrators put in the effort to understand the unique responsibilities art teachers have. Prepping a range of different materials, ordering supplies, maintaining equipment, and assembling displays throughout the year are just a few. A supportive environment recognizes these time-consuming tasks and ensures quality prep time is built into the daily schedule.

What can it look like?

• Dedicated and uninterrupted time to eat lunch.
• Allocation of quality prep time in the daily schedule.
• Respect for personal time after contract hours.
• Included in content area meetings.
• Encouraged to take sick days, personal days, or a leave of absence when needed.
• Requests and appreciation for additional tasks, such as covering for other teachers.
• Boundaries or a polite decline suffice.

The environment is collaborative.

Your work environment can significantly impact your long-term plans. A collaborative environment starts with colleagues who have positive, forward-thinking attitudes. Your team should want to exchange ideas, share resources, and work together to put students first. When peers celebrate each other, everyone thrives. If your colleagues are consistently unhappy, the negative energy can be draining.

What can it look like?

• Scheduled time for art department collaboration.
• Continued support from mentors and instructional coaches beyond the first year.
• Celebration over competition.
• A shared growth mindset that fosters creativity.
• Open to giving and receiving feedback.
• Team player mentality such as assisting when you’re out and troubleshooting issues.
• Focusing on current trends, student needs, and new ideas.

Your administration supports you.

Actions speak louder than words and there are nuanced ways to feel supported by your administrators. Supportive leaders will advocate for you when you are managing conflict in or out of your classroom. They take your requests seriously and seek out resources to meet your unique needs. This extends beyond the day-to-day and includes encouraging art-specific professional development to grow your teaching practice. The team that makes you want to stay long-term is genuine, fair, and committed to the well-being of their staff.

What can it look like?

• Follow-through on commitments.
• Listens to concerns and actively seeks solutions.
• Enforces consequences for inappropriate student behavior.
• Supports you during conflicts with students or families.
• Allocated funds and approved time off for art-specific professional development, such as conferences and workshops.
• Accepts art-specific graduate degrees or courses for growth and salary advancement.
• Respect for your knowledge, skillset, and expertise.
• Collaboration and support during the observation and evaluation processes.
• Participation and willingness to work on tasks alongside you.

Your administration is communicative and transparent.

Teachers who stay year after year are not only supported by their administrators but also benefit from timely and transparent communication. These leaders handle emergencies professionally and seek feedback to look for ways to improve. Your supervisor, principal, or department chair is clear and honest about funding and budget allocation.

What can it look like?

• Regular and balanced communication with the whole staff.
• Responses within 24 business hours.
• Specific details with measurable goals and clear expectations.
• Advance notice of upcoming events and requests.
• Willingness to acknowledge mistakes.
• Actively seeks solutions and is open to feedback.
• Explains decisions and ties to cast vision.
• Transparent budgeting practices.

You are trusted as the expert you are.

Are you considered “just the art teacher” by your school community? This perspective can speak to the level of respect your colleagues have for you and the visual arts. As we all know, art teachers have a lot to offer to both students and staff. Not only do you have art-specific knowledge, but you also have relationships with the entire student body. When you are valued for your input at important meetings, asked to participate in feedback sessions, and share best practices to educate your peers, you feel a sense of belonging in your school community.

What can it look like?

• Autonomy in designing your curriculum.
• Invites to lead professional development and share your expertise.
• Administrative support when parents or students question your teaching practices.
• Assistance getting what you need for your art room.
• Public acknowledgment of your accomplishments.

The arts are a priority.

Nothing makes an art teacher feel more valued than being part of a community that appreciates the arts. When your school actively removes barriers and celebrates your students’ hard work, you’re more likely to stay for the long term. A community that attends your art shows and shares in your delight over student achievement provides a sense of purpose. This supportive environment not only fosters your professional growth but also strengthens your commitment to the school’s mission.

What can it look like?

• Dedicated spaces to display artwork.
• Administration asks you to exhibit more artwork.
• Classroom materials and supplies are fully funded per student.
• Allocated funds for the maintenance of tools, supplies, and equipment.
• Stipends for art-related clubs.
• Celebration of art students’ achievements both in and out of school.
• School and community presence and engagement at art shows.
• Stakeholders are eager to understand and learn from your classroom activities.

Year after year, the State of Art Education Survey shows that one of the greatest joys art teachers have is building relationships and connecting with students. While our students are what makes us love our jobs, feeling valued in our school is what makes art teachers stay for longevity in art education. This climate of respect, support, and appreciation hinges on a positive environment with open communication, two-way feedback, assistance, and collaboration.

Aside from the many suggestions and examples of what this can look like above, talk to other teachers in your district and building. Find out what they enjoy about working there and any obstacles or challenges they face. Remember, a supportive school environment that fuels your unique art teacher energy will not only encourage you but also attract other teachers long-term as well.

If you’re a new art teacher, what are your priorities when looking for a supportive school?

If you’re a veteran teacher, share what makes you stay in the art room!

The post Why Art Teachers Stay: A Guide for Longevity in Art Education appeared first on The Art of Education University.

If you’re not sure where to start, head over to our First-Year Art Teacher’s Guide which is packed with resources to directly support you in your new career. Then, keep reading to find the help you’re looking for no matter your situation.

Whether you’re new, “new-to-art,” or know someone who is new, gain specific support for your unique situation below.

You are a veteran teacher supporting a new but seasoned art teacher.

You may be a veteran teacher about to welcome a new addition to your team who is also just as experienced as you. Supporting these teachers is a bit nuanced. That new team member is coming with a wealth of knowledge and experience to this new placement. You want to help them settle in without being too overbearing. However, they don’t know the ins and outs of their new school. These teachers need time to learn how the school works, get to know their students, and navigate community relationships. Finding the right people to connect with is important for this art teacher.

Review these tips as you support your “new to you” veteran teacher:

• 3 Things to Appreciate in Each Phase of an Art Teacher’s Career
• The Case for More Collaboration (Ep. 168)

PRO Learning is an on-demand professional development for art teachers, by art teachers. It’s full of hands-on tutorials, teacher-facing resources, and strategies to support your growth as an art teacher at any stage of your career. There are over 200 Packs on a wide variety of art education topics from art mediums to curricular approaches to instructional methodologies. If you’re not a PRO member, learn how to get PRO for your district.

Check out the two PRO Learning Packs below:

1. Building Leadership Skills as an Art Educator
2. Making the Most of Your PLC

You are coming right out of an undergraduate art education program.

As a brand new art teacher, you bring so much energy and excitement to the role! You’ve got the theory and knowledge behind you, but really need classroom experience to apply your art teacher training. You probably carry some nerves with you as you step foot into a new environment of unknowns. Remember, there’s no handbook. You are going to need a lot of support these first few years of teaching as you gain confidence. Make sure to find your people who will help support you in different areas.

In the meantime, get started with these three resources:

1. First-Year Art Teacher’s Guide
2. 16 Things I Wish I Knew About Teaching as a New Art Teacher
3. Dear First-Year Art Teacher… Advice and Resources From Veteran Art Teachers

Access the De-escalation Strategies for Challenging Behaviors Pack in PRO Learning to help you manage your classroom like a pro.

You are moving from the general classroom to the art room.

With the passing of Proposition 28 in California, more schools are bringing general education classroom teachers into the art room, and many other states are investing in the arts as well. Teaching art is an exciting path as students explore their creativity and visualize ideas. No matter what level you move into, making art with your students is a lot of fun! However, some challenges and demands are unique to teaching art. From managing supplies and designing scaffolded art curriculum to learning how to assess art and connect the visual arts standards, there’s still so much to learn about the art room.

Check out these resources to get you ready for the art room:

• 6 Helpful Tips for General Ed Teachers Transitioning to the Art Room
• Moving From the Classroom to the Art Room (Ep. 392)

Take a look at the Designing Effective Assessment Practices and Routines for Managing Supplies Packs in PRO Learning to help you dig into the nuances of teaching art. If you’re looking for support in techniques and media, you can filter PRO Learning Packs by media! There are Packs on a wide range of mediums including tempera paint, crochet, printmaking, photography, and so much more.

You are moving from an art career to teaching art.

Artists moving into the teaching career path already bring a love and deep knowledge of the visual arts. Thanks to Prop 28, we are seeing more funding for these career artists to join the classroom. However, making art and teaching art are very different. Learning how to break down processes so that others can follow takes time. Managing a classroom of thirty or more is an additional learning curve that never gets dull. Plus, differentiation, inclusion, supporting students with IEPs or 504 Plans, and assisting ELL students may all be new considerations.

Take a look at the articles below to support you in your new role:

• Do You Really Have to Choose Between Being an Artist or Art Teacher?
• Advice for a Strong Start in Art Education as a Second Career

Check out the Packs, The Building Blocks of Effective Curriculum and Understanding and Implementing IEPs in PRO Learning to start the year off strong.

You are an art teacher moving into a mentor or support role.

You’ve been teaching for a while now and you’re gaining a new teammate! While some schools have a stipend for a formal mentor position, you will, at the minimum, need to support your new colleague informally. Even if you’re not paid to mentor a new teacher, this kind of support will come back to you tenfold as you build your team and collaborate. Being a team player and supporting a new addition will help grow your school’s art program and align your department.

These three resources will help you mentor a new art teacher without overburdening your schedule:

1. 7 Important Considerations When Mentoring New Teachers
2. Become the Best Mentor Ever With These 3 Tips
3. The Importance of Mentoring (Ep. 211)

Check out Packs, Surviving your First Year of Elementary/Middle/High School Art in PRO Learning for essential first-year tips.

You are an administrator supporting a new art teacher.

Your new teachers, regardless of which path they come from, are going to look to you, their administration, for support. How can you help these new art teachers if you aren’t an art expert yourself? Plus, you may have so many content areas to focus on that it can be hard to know where to start.

First, provide art-specific professional development like PRO Learning and the NOW Conference. PRO Learning Packs such as Managing the Classroom and Preparing for Evaluations and Observations will get you and your new art teachers feeling confident their first year. The NOW Conference is the world’s largest online conference for art teachers. The presentations cover emerging trends and topics in art education and the entire event fosters an energetic community of networking and artmaking. Both of these invaluable resources will keep your team of art teachers’ skills sharp and their enthusiasm high!

Then, take a look at these articles to get your teachers started on the right foot:

• What Does Unpacking the National Core Arts Standards Look Like?
• How to Be Successful in a New Position

Another easy way to support your art teachers is to provide them with FLEX Curriculum. FLEX is a standards-aligned curriculum packed with lessons and student-facing resources like assessments, videos, and more. All of these resources at their fingertips will give your art teachers space and time to prioritize their classroom, students, and other essential day-to-day needs. Reach out today to learn more!

No matter how you became an art teacher, being a new hire has unique challenges. Teaching art will fill you with joy when you’re supported in the right ways. The goal is not only to find the right fit but also to make sure art teachers everywhere stay in the field for many years to come. It really does “take a village” when it comes to creating a supportive teaching community. Asking for and providing the right resources, like the ones above, are essential to creating a positive long-term experience. Here’s to many more years of building a strong team of art teachers and making an impact on your future artists!

What are your best tips to support a new art teacher? 

Share a support you wish you had as a first-year art teacher.

The post 6 Ways to Support New and “New-to-You” Art Teachers appeared first on The Art of Education University.

Follow this timetable so you will feel refreshed and prepared for your first day in the art room!

Early June: Fresh Start

It’s hard to think about August when you’re finishing a degree or closing out a classroom. But June is the perfect time to create a curriculum outline and get a head start on ordering supplies. See if you can pop into your classroom for a sneak peek and a glimpse of your inventory. Sometimes supply orders can take a few weeks to trickle in, so you’ll want to be all set before students walk through the door. Build confidence with new lessons and materials by scheduling professional development or allotting an hour or two in your schedule to play with new materials and techniques!

What do I think about?

• What basic supplies will you need to get started?
• Will your administrators be around to answer questions?
• Can you get a few hours in your classroom?
• What are the best ways and times to order supplies?
• What tools and materials need replacing or replenished?
• What professional development are you excited to fit into your schedule?
• Is there a mandatory curriculum or scope and sequence to follow?
• How much flexibility do you have to plan your curriculum?

How do I break it down?

• Create a general outline for the year.
• Contact administration and schedule a quick classroom visit.
• Connect with direct colleagues and request a mentor.
• Compile and order your essential supplies list.
• Register for a course or the Summer NOW Conference.

June-July: Time to Celebrate!

By mid-June and into July, you’re getting into your summer groove. This is a great time to sprinkle in some planning and inspiration with your morning coffee. Start thinking about artists who inspire you and ways to bring them into your curriculum. Create a digital folder to save lessons from your favorite art teachers.

What do I think about?

• Which artists are you obsessed with right now?
• How can you connect those artists to your lessons?
• What media and techniques will you teach?
• How will you scaffold materials and processes?
• How will you keep your planning and ideas organized and accessible?

How do I break it down?

• Review your curriculum outline for key topics.
• Create digital folders to stay organized.
• Sift through FLEX Curriculum for lessons and resources.
• Scroll through social media and follow your favorite art teachers.
• Add artists that inspire.

Late July: Full Force Summer

Late July is the month to focus on you. It’s not easy to go back into school mode when you know you only have a few weeks left of summer break. Make sure to fill your bucket by spending time with your friends and family. Use these weeks to establish positive habits you want to carry through the school year.

What do I think about?

• What are your top three bucket fillers?
• How will you schedule time to make art?
• Where can you find inspiration?
• What good habits will you focus on building?

How do I break it down?

• Make art and play with new materials!
• Read a good book.
• Visit your favorite art museum.
• Attend the Summer NOW Conference.
• Try a simple recipe, go for a run, or enjoy some yoga.

Early August: Wind Down

Early August is the time to get your brain moving into the new school year. Plot out your first month of lessons and dig into your first week’s activities.  You may be able to sneak in a visit to your classroom but a lot of this planning can still happen poolside.

What do I think about?

• How will you get to know your students starting on day one?
• How will you introduce them to your classroom environment, materials, and tools?
• What kind of systems do you want to model through activities in the first month?
• How will you connect with your students’ families?

How do I break it down?

•  Brainstorm first-week activities.
•  Add in “Get to Know You” activities.
•  Plan the first month of lessons.
•  Set up your Learning Management System.
•  Create a template to connect with parents and guardians.

August: Inservice Days

These days overflow with introductions, meetings, and getting to know your school. Pick up your staff ID, learn how to navigate your gradebook, and start unpacking your classroom. It will be very tempting to get your room looking perfect, but don’t stress! Your environment will come alive when your students fill those seats. Give yourself the grace to work on your space as you go this year, keeping in mind that amazing art rooms take years to decorate! Instead, schedule time to meet with a mentor or support colleagues. If you work in a team or department, make sure to touch base with them too.

What do I think about?

• What are my must-dos in the classroom to have a successful first week?
• Who are the custodial staff?
• What materials will I need for the first week’s activities?
• How should I set up my gradebook to align with my colleagues/department and district grading policies?

How do I break it down?

•  Begin setting up your physical space.
•  Review your rosters for IEPs, 504 Plans, and behavior plans.
•  Prep all of your first-week materials.
•  Finalize your syllabus and set up your gradebook.
•  Meet with colleagues, mentor teacher, and other support staff.

August: First Week of School!

There is nothing more exciting than the first week of school! Those first-day jitters will melt away quickly as you settle into your art teacher energy. Now’s the time to dig into getting to know your students with fun and scaffolded activities. Consider how you will teach and model procedures and expectations. This is also the time to review your evaluation paperwork, set goals, and proactively prep your subfolder.

What do I think about?

• How will you learn and remember students’ names?
• How do you want your students to manage materials and expectations?
• What do you want your families to know about you?
• How are you evaluated?
• Who are your colleagues and where can you go for support?
• What sub plans can you prep for emergencies?

How do I break it down?

•   Send out your introduction letter to families.
•   Consider material management systems.
•   Start planning out the next month’s lessons.
•   Check your evaluation expectations.
•   Prepare a subfolder or sub tub of simple yet engaging one-day activities.

The to-do list in the art room is never-ending, so don’t feel pressured to have everything picture-perfect by day one. Give yourself a break! Intentionally tackle small things over the next few months so it’s not overwhelming when you walk through the doors. Once the school year begins, you will find your flow and support crew. In the meantime, rest and recharge this summer. You will be a phenomenal art teacher with the capacity to pour into your students when you live a healthy and balanced life. Use the guidelines above to take the guesswork out of where to start so you can begin the year refreshed and prepared!

What questions do you still have about starting your new role?

How do you balance rest with gearing up for a new school year?

The post How to Prepare this Summer to Teach Art with Confidence This Fall appeared first on The Art of Education University.