In today's episode from the archives, Tim is joined by educator Yunga Webb to talk about her role and efforts at the North Country School in upstate New York to help students find their place and belonging through the power of the arts. Listen as they discuss the programs at her school, the activities she does to foster belonging in her classrooms, and the work we can all do to create a community and a space that offers belonging for all of our students.  Resources and Links Take a look at the North Country School A Simple Way to Increase Student Engagement Learn more about AOEU's NOW Co ..read more

Continuing on with the Youth Art Month discussions, Tim invites the stars of AOE's Art Show Secrets on the podcast to share some of those secrets and their ideas for putting together a successful show. First, Jenn Russell talks about how to feature more students' work, as well as how to make your art show more interactive. Then, Sarah Krajewski talks about her prep work, her strategies for engagement, and how students can help run the show. Both interviews share ideas on how to highlight your students' art, advocate for your program, and help your community be part of the show. Resources and L ..read more

In this episode from the archives, Dr. Theresa Haugen, curriculum specialist and associate professor at AOEU, joins Tim to discuss the importance of advocacy in art education. Listen as their conversation covers how we can make our programs visible, the connections we can build within our school and our community, and how advocacy can benefit both students and teachers. They also spend time talking about The Center for the Advancement of Art Education (CAAE) and give advice for finding resources that can help make advocacy an ongoing habit. Resources and Links Take the 2025 State of Art Educa ..read more

Amanda is back for the March mailbag today! As always, she and Tim take listener questions and share some of their best advice. The show starts with an introduction to Tim's dog rating scale and a story about Amanda's prolific baking experiences (for an art show, of course!). They discuss helping students in creative ways, moving classes outside, dealing with parents, and then close the show with a long discussion on curriculum.  Resources and Links Join the Art of Ed Community Check out the Art Ed NOW Conference Read the Community discussion on misophonia Try this podcast (or this one ..read more

Tim talks today about the joy of trying something new, and the importance of continued exploration of unique mediums and materials for us as art teachers. He also gives suggestions for several ideas for new art-making processes to explore, including alcohol inks, gel printing, cyanotypes, encaustic painting, and needle felting, and the show notes connect with resources that can help teachers dive into each of those processes. He closes the show with the idea that trying new things, even in small ways, can transform your artmaking environment and help with student engagement and problem-solving ..read more

After watching the Lisa Frank: Glitter and Greed docuseries, Abby and Amanda join Tim to break down all 4 episodes and reminisce about Lisa Frank. Listen as they discuss their experiences with Lisa Frank, their thoughts on what was revealed in the show, and the nostalgia they have for art room experiences and supplies. Resources and Links Watch Lisa Frank: Glitter and Greed on Prime Video Jezebel.com: Inside the Rainbow Gulag Follow Abby and Amanda on Instagram Join the discussion on the Art of Ed Community ..read more

In today's episode from the archives, Tim welcomes art teacher Stephanie Zeiler for a wide-ranging conversation. They begin by discussing visual journals and how they can make journals more engaging and more meaningful for students. They then talk about creating a welcoming classroom community, how we help kids find what they love, and how we can find joy in our teaching careers. Resources and Links Creating a Welcoming Environment Visual Journaling, Artmaking, and Creativity Listen to Tim's interview with Michael Bell ..read more

Amanda Heyn joined Tim in Chicago to record this mailbag episode as they were preparing for the NOW Conference. As always, they take listener questions and share some of their best advice. Tim starts with stories about his favorite custodian before the conversation moves to how we can help our students experiment and how we can deal with all of the requests that come our way. Finally, they wrap up with some advice on the best (and most colorful!) shoes when you are teaching art on your feet all day. Resources and Links Join the Art of Ed Community Art Lessons Inspired by Jim Dine Top 5 Hearts ..read more

With the 2025 Winter NOW Conference happening THIS WEEK, Janet Taylor joins Tim to talk about the highlights of the upcoming event.  This includes their excitement about everything coming the next 3 days, the wonderful keynote presentation from Carrie Mae Weems, and how teachers can make the most of their professional learning on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Join us at the NOW Conference January 31st, February 1st, and February 2nd, where we will share three days of PD that will have you inspired and excited for the rest of the school year!  Resources and Links Join the Art of Ed C ..read more

Abby Houston (@abbypainterart) joins Tim today to talk about education, artmaking, and the joy of creating within a community. After discussing the beginning of her career as a teacher and art therapist, the conversation moves on to the value of a sketchbook practice and how she stays consistent with her artmaking routine. She also talks about her upcoming presentation at the NOW Conference, gives advice on how teachers can find time for artmaking, and plays a round of This or That: Sketchbook Edition. Resources and Links Follow Abby on Instagram Join the Art of Ed Community Find everything y ..read more