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.

As art teachers, we know the power of the visual arts to connect and move people. Now, science is proving what we’ve understood all along! The field of neuroaesthetics is showing how art can improve emotional well-being.

Let’s explore how to harness neuroaesthetics through service learning in the art room to improve health and quality of life.

What is neuroaesthetics?

Neuroaesthetics is the study of how our brains respond to art. When we look at art, parts of our brains light up! These parts handle emotion, senses, and pleasure and release dopamine, which makes us feel good and reduces stress. Susan Magsamen explores how creating and viewing art can help people in her book called This Is Your Brain on Art.

In hospitals and nursing homes, art can be a positive distraction. It helps people focus on something calming. A study of burn victims found that looking at pleasant images reduced their pain. This shows that art doesn’t just fill a space—it makes people feel better! Understanding how art affects the brain enables us to see the full power and potential of student artwork. Use this science as part of a service learning project to bring art and positivity to others in the community.

Bring the power of neuroaesthetics into your classroom and community with these ideas!

Compare and contrast two artworks to capture emotional responses. 

To introduce students to neuroaesthetics, compare two very different artworks. The Scream by Edvard Munch and Water Lilies by Claude Monet are great examples to start with! These paintings show how art can prompt different emotions. The Scream often makes viewers feel tense or anxious, with the subject’s intense facial expression and the artist’s use of bold colors and swirling lines. 

In contrast, Water Lilies creates a sense of calm through soft, subdued colors and flowing shapes. Talk with students about how each piece affects their mood. Ask them to think about how the elements of art contribute to the mood. Segue into how creating and sharing calming art can bring tranquility to others, especially those who are sad or struggling.

Create calm with color field artists.

Research shows that certain colors can boost our well-being. Non-objective art, especially by Color Field artists like Wassily Kandinsky and Helen Frankenthaler, is ideal for this activity. The large-scale artworks with big splashes of color are a great introduction to color symbolism. 

Introduce Color Field artists and how they used color to convey emotion without recognizable subject matter. Reinforce color theory, focus on mixing tertiary colors, and explore blending. Lead a guided visualization by asking, “What colors make you feel calm? Are they cool or warm? Saturated or muted?” Students paint a non-objective piece, using color to evoke calm. Experiment with materials like squeegees, rollers, and sponges for blending.

If you’re looking for resources to scaffold this process but don’t have time to create your own, check out FLEX Curriculum. FLEX is a standards-aligned curriculum with a vast archive of lesson plans and student-facing resources. Use worksheets like Showing Emotion: A Formative Tool and Discussion: Colors and Feelings to guide students in exploring emotions through color. 

Visualize positive themes through hand lettering.

Ask students to list positive themes like hope, peace, love, and kindness. By transforming these abstract ideas into hand-lettered art, students see how art can inspire. Read Ish by Peter H. Reynolds to encourage students to embrace abstract art and capture their theme’s essence. 

Students choose a positive theme and reflect on how to represent it visually. Ask questions like, “If kindness were a color, what would it be? If hope were lines, what type would it be?  If peace were a texture, how would it feel?” to guide their visualization. Discuss text in art and the importance of different font styles and sizes. Practice various words and quotes with step-by-step hand-lettering directions and drills. After sketching different word and composition combinations, choose a favorite to turn into a final artwork with markers and paint.

Share art in community spaces to positively transform well-being.

Once students create their artwork, it’s time to share it with the community! Brainstorm a list of places with your students that could benefit from calming artwork.

Here are some community space ideas to include:

• Hospitals
• Nursing Homes
• Shelters
• Rehab Facilities
• Veterans’ Centers
• Hospice Centers
• Assisted Living Facilities
• Mental Health Clinics
• Libraries

Reach out to venues via email and share your plan for displaying calming art. Discuss details about the space and display and how long the artwork will be up. Consider easy-hang options like using butcher paper for quick setup or pre-matting the pieces for a polished look. Coordinate with the venue to choose the best method.

For more innovative and time-saving ways to display student artwork, check out the following tips:

• Art Room Hacks: New Ways to Display Artwork
• 7 Nifty Ideas for Storing, Hanging, and Displaying Artwork
• How to Select Art Show Artwork and The Best Adhesives to Hang Art

Invite students and families to visit the exhibit by emailing home or including it in the school newsletter. Provide a box, blank cards, and pens for visitors to write letters to the students about how the artwork made them feel. This reinforces the value of the students’ work and highlights the impact of visual art.

Service learning helps students see how their art can make a difference. Creating art for therapeutic spaces boosts creativity and teaches students the emotional power of their work. By placing hand-lettered quotes or giant color field paintings in hospitals or shelters, students bring calm and comfort to those in need. It shows that art connects us and supports others beyond the classroom. Art-based service learning gives students purpose and shows how their artistic efforts can help the community.

How do you guide your students to think about the emotional impact of their work?

What are your favorite ways to incorporate service learning projects in the art room?

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

The post 4 Ways to Use Student Art for Community Service Learning & Well-Being 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.

Now, more than ever, the future of art education is in your creative hands. You have the opportunity to mold the trends, topics, and issues that will define what’s next in art education. From the artists and mediums you introduce to the teaching methods you employ, you have the power to leave a lasting imprint on your students. 

The Center for the Advancement of Art Education is working to unite art educators to further the field of art education. Join the largest art education survey today and create what’s next, together! 

The survey is now closed.

Follow AOEU on social media and subscribe to our weekly newsletter so you can be the first to get the survey results. If you want to see the positive change you’ve created over the past few years, take a look at previous results: 

• 2024
• 2023
• 2022
• 2021
• 2020
• 2019
• 2018

Take the 2025 State of Art Education survey now!

Download and share the Center’s advocacy resources. 

Share the survey with your art teacher community.

The post Create What’s Next: Take the State of Art Education 2025 Survey 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.

We know your time is valuable so we did deep research. We uncovered fascinating academic data to support the positive effect the visual arts have on student success across the board. Let’s see how those hand turkeys and monster pinch-pots make more of a difference than most may think. 

Discover the impact of the visual arts on student success to help advocate for your program with confidence! 

Download this helpful one-page resource. Print it out and post it in a prominent spot in your art room. Use it as a tool when meeting with administrators and parents to spread the word on how powerful the arts are! While very comprehensive, this resource is only the tip of the iceberg! There are many more ways to elevate student achievement through art education. Check out the original publication with more data from the Center for the Advancement of Art Education (CAAE). 

Download Now!

1. Visual Arts education decreases absenteeism. 

Not only is art a favorite class for many students each day, but sometimes art is the prime reason why they choose to go to school each morning. Research backs this up and shows absentee rates are lower in students enrolled in at least one art class. Our art classes provide a much-needed break from traditional academic subjects as well as a creative outlet. When students find joy and personal expression within their school, they are more likely to attend regularly and actively participate. This increased engagement can also translate into better overall academic performance and a more positive attitude towards their education, which we’ll touch on later.

For instance, a study in Boston Public Schools found that students involved in the arts attended school more frequently. Plus, these students showed greater engagement than their peers not enrolled in an art class. This trend was particularly evident in students with IEPs or low standardized test scores. Further studies reveal student participation in the arts leads to higher attendance rates, increased engagement, and lower dropout rates among students. 

The research and findings also call attention to the role of the arts in giving students socially and emotionally supportive learning environments, which in turn enhances the connection between schools and students. Plus, engagement in the arts leads to increased parent participation at schools. That annual art show you put sweat and tears into each spring means more than you know! 

2. Visual Arts education lowers suspension rates.

The impact of arts education on disciplinary outcomes highlights how creative expression fosters a positive school climate. Providing inclusive and supportive environments in the art room helps build solid student-teacher relationships, which are crucial for maintaining discipline within the school. 

Research shows that art education correlates with reduced suspension rates. Students interested and engaged in their courses are less likely to have out-of-school suspensions. According to data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, students were 20% less likely to have an out-of-school suspension for each year of arts courses studied. Therefore, schools with more arts offerings are more likely to see reduced suspension rates and disciplinary infractions. Your administration can thank you for helping to decrease schoolwide behavior issues! 

3. Visual Arts education increases academic outcomes. 

Art research, creative problem-solving, and class critiques benefit your artists in and out of the art room. Because of the skills learned and reinforced in art, studies show the gains students achieved in core subjects like English and Math. Because text and visual literacy are such a natural connection, it makes sense that studies show significantly higher GPAs and reading scores in students enrolled in art electives. Additionally, findings show students in art courses, especially music, also experience higher levels of math achievement, specifically in developing cognitive skills. 

Even if students don’t pursue the arts professionally, there are plenty of reasons why we should keep and nurture the arts! On top of learning color theory or proper glazing techniques, (both of which have strong science cross-curricular connections), the arts equip students with 21st-century skills like communication, collaboration, innovation, and creativity! These are the skills that stick with students long after they leave our art rooms. 

4. Visual Arts education leads to a higher graduation rate. 

Increased attendance and decreased disciplinary action align with more students walking across the graduation stage! As discussed above, taking more art courses leads to higher attendance and retention rates. Studies show that students with more than the minimum required art credits are likelier to stay in school. Additionally, high school students with few or no art credits are five times more likely not to graduate. Students who extensively participate in art courses are more likely to belong to academic honors societies and are less likely to drop out of school. 

5. Visual Arts education correlates with college and career readiness. 

Elementary students with art experiences demonstrate greater engagement and higher college aspirations. Studies show that students participating in the arts are more likely to enroll in college, maintain strong GPAs, and take on leadership roles. Arts education promotes programs that foster flexibility, encourage risk-taking, and enhance social development. Studies even show that students with high school art experiences have academic and social advantages well into their twenties! 

6. Visual Arts education improves English learner progress.

Arts education significantly aids English learners in acquiring the language skills they need. Studies show that engaging in school arts programs enhances listening, writing, and speaking abilities through art-related discussions and activities. The visual arts help students naturally integrate building their language skills through artmaking. When students have the opportunity to draw or create illustrations, it relieves the pressure of speaking and provides another outlet to convey thoughts and ideas. Additionally, when students discuss and critique their artworks, it can also strengthen their communication skills. These activities require students to use descriptive language, expand vocabulary, and articulate thoughts and ideas. 

Art teachers have an important mission! Not only do we instill an appreciation of the arts in our students, but we also teach valuable 21st-century skills that support other content areas and college- and career-readiness. The art room is pivotal in building strong communication skills, especially for English language learners. Our art projects get students excited to come to school, increasing attendance and graduation rates. Plus, our rapport encourages students to feel safe, take risks, and stay engaged in positive behaviors across the board. All in all, the visual arts play a powerful role in boosting student success and achievement throughout their whole learning career. Now that’s something to celebrate and continue to advocate for!

What’s your favorite student success story from your art room?

Why do you think visual arts is essential for student achievement? 

The post 6 Ways Visual Arts Boosts Student Success So You Can Advocate for Your Program 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.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming education, and the art classroom is no exception. From generating creative prompts to assisting with lesson planning and assessments, AI offers a wealth of potential to streamline tasks and enhance the learning experience. However, like any powerful tool, wield AI with careful consideration. As art educators, it’s crucial to strike a balance between embracing AI’s benefits and ensuring responsible use of this technology. Responsible use means safeguarding student data, adhering to district and school policies, and keeping your brain and skills sharp. If you’re new to AI, start by learning what it is with an overview of its benefits and challenges. 

Learn about the transformative power of AI tools for planning and assessment and their potential to both enhance the art experience and hinder artistic growth.

Program AI to answer tedious student questions.

We all want to give our students individualized instruction but sometimes we’re short on time. AI can assist and act as a tutor for your students. Questions about foundational art skills and techniques are easy for AI to take care of. Set up AI with an automated prompt sequence! After AI answers a student’s question, it will ask the student if they have any further questions. It will repeat until the student says they are finished. You can basically program a color mixing tool without having to learn code!

Try a prompt like this: 

Create a color mixing tutorial. You will ask what color the user wants to make. Then, tell the user how to mix that color using only turquoise, magenta, yellow, black, and white paint. Use terms that an elementary student can read and understand. Tell the user color ratios indicating how many units of each color to use. Then, give the user a bit of advice on how to apply liquid tempera paint well. Finally, ask if there is another color you can help them create. Repeat this until the user indicates they are finished.

What should you consider when AI answers student questions?

AI tools are becoming increasingly reliable at generating factually correct information. However, the answer you get will only be as good as the instructions you give and the information it’s pulling from. As the expert, always check for accuracy. Let AI help students with simple tasks related to foundational art skills and techniques. Save deeper and more conceptual processes like analyzing and evaluating artwork for your nuanced facilitation. For example, you may try the color mixing prompt above while students are painting, but go back to more traditional forms of checking understanding at the end of a color theory unit.

Create tools for assessment.

For many teachers, creating objective assessments in a highly subjective content area can be a daunting task. Once you have determined your success criteria, use AI tools to aid in formulating the rubric or an assessment checklist. You can also generate questions and writing prompts for additional activities like quizzes or review games. AI can phrase things as a story problem, riddle, multiple choice, or fill-in-the-blank. AI can generate text at any grade level to adjust the same assignment for any class. Whatever you’d like AI to do, describe your goal as clearly as possible with any components you want included.

Here is a sample prompt you can modify to align with your goals:

Create a rubric for assessing student artwork. Assess the following categories: planning and preparation, appropriate use and care for tools, neatness of the final product, and innovation. Grade each of these criteria on a four-point scale, with 1 being beginning, 2 being approaching, 3 being secure, and 4 being exemplary. For each of these four categories, write a description that includes artwork characteristics. Lay out the rubric as a table with the numbers in the top row and each of the categories in the first column.

What should you consider with AI assessments?

AI-generated rubrics and checklists may give you a starting point, but AI tools are not experts when it comes to your curriculum. AI does not have the insights into your students that you do. You know best the areas in which you are looking to see student growth. Review and edit all AI-generated documents to make sure they align with your curriculum and are appropriate for your students. Of course, there are many customizable resources to streamline assessment that do not involve AI. Try the Plug n’ Play Rubric or one of the many student-facing assessments in FLEX Curriculum. 

Make your documents more accessible.

Art teachers are responsible for teaching hundreds of students with a variety of needs, levels, and backgrounds. AI tools can help you quickly and easily modify text to make it more accessible. Try translating instructions into a different language, converting text to speech, and generating summaries of articles at different reading levels. Save yourself the time of manually pulling these resources yourself and put AI to work to help meet all of your students where they are. Remember to review and edit all AI-generated documents to ensure they are appropriate for your students. 

What should you consider when using AI for accessibility?

Double-checking a translation to ensure it is faithful to the original text can be difficult. When using AI to translate text into a language you do not speak, consider running the translated text through a different chatbot asking it to translate the text back to English. Review both versions to check for accuracy.

Discover artists to diversify instruction.

All art teachers have favorite artists they keep going back to. Add a fresh twist to your lessons and use AI to help you discover new artists and artworks! Tell your favorite chatbot the core concept and grade level for the lesson. Then, instruct it to give you 10 diverse artists and artworks to show as examples. 

What should you consider when using AI to discover diverse artists?

AI models rely on data collected from the internet. It is important to be mindful of the perspectives, power structures, biases, and limitations inherent in that model. Remember that AI is a generative tool, which means it can also make up people, artworks, and other bits of information. This is why it’s imperative to double-check any results before bringing them to your students.

Get suggestions to liven up your lessons.

Many art teachers are the only art specialists in their buildings. Being the entire art department can be liberating when you have autonomy! On the other hand, it can also mean you’re missing out on valuable collaboration. Everyone benefits from getting other perspectives to refine ideas and solutions. AI tools can serve as a non-judgemental brainstorming buddy. Use it to help you consider different approaches and input lesson plans that are starting to feel stale. Give AI the learning targets and ask it to give you five new lesson ideas based on those objectives.

What should you consider when using AI tools to plan a lesson?

Just like when you write your own lesson or use one from another art teacher, it’s good practice to test the lesson before trying it with students. There are wild stories out there of AI-generated plans with incredible errors, like when AI told a user to put glue on pizza! Plus, only you know your students, art room, and teaching style best. Use your experience and knowledge to take what you need and toss what you don’t from an AI-generated lesson. 

What else should you consider as you integrate AI into your practice?

AI can provide powerful tools to make many aspects of your job easier, but too much of even a good thing can be harmful. Teaching is an art form and it is important for every artist to develop and maintain the skills of their craft. As such, use AI tools to supplement your repertoire and streamline routine tasks. Continue to rely on your wit, wisdom, experience, and expertise! 

If you’re intrigued about integrating AI and want to learn more, check out AI in Art Education. This graduate course provides practical strategies to develop communication, creativity, and critical thinking in a tech-evolving landscape.

Note data and privacy concerns.

Also, when using AI tools with and for students, there are concerns regarding data security and privacy. AI tools harvest massive amounts of data online. It generates responses based on probabilities modeled using that data. The models also “learn” from user input, meaning that the AI tool records the information you type. Never input any potentially sensitive information. Do not use student names, identifying details, or images of students in any of your AI prompts.

Keep up-to-date on laws regarding AI.

AI tools are rapidly evolving. School administrators will update policies to help educators navigate the new tools as they arise. Lawmakers are also working to craft legislation to address potential AI concerns. As of the time of this writing, 17 states have already enacted 29 laws regarding AI, and more are sure to come. It is your responsibility to take initiative. Stay up-to-date on current trends and updated policies in both your district and school, and globally, nationally, and statewide.

Harness the power of AI tools to not only make your job teaching art easier and more efficient, but also more creative and inclusive. Approach AI with a critical and discerning eye to prioritize student data privacy, adhere to ethical guidelines, and maintain a strong foundation in traditional artistic skills. Ultimately, AI should serve as an empowering ally, augmenting the human touch that lies at the heart of art education. 

What instructional tasks would you like to try passing along to AI?

What concerns do you have about the use of AI?

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