Ep. 433 - The September Mailbag: Class Sizes, Student Helpers, and Projects that Fail

In another episode celebrating National Literacy Month, Tim is joined by author, artist, and professor Kate Kretz to discuss her book Art From Your Core: A Holistic Guide to Visual Voice. Listen as they discuss how Kate's book explores obstacles to the development of artistic voice, and how it also provides exercises and strategies to help artists dig deeper into their personal experiences, interests, and perspectives to find ongoing sources of interest and inspiration. Stay around after the end of the episode, when Kate does a reading of a chapter from the book. Resources and Links View Kate's website and find her book See AOEU's Resources on Literacy Teaching Students to Find and Use Their Artistic Voice 3 Strategies to Help Students Find their Voice in the Art Room How to Support Student Voice in 4 Steps A Powerful Project to Amplify Student Voice

To celebrate National Literacy Month, this episode from the archives features author and artist Peter Reynolds--along with his twin brother Paul--as they join Nic Hahn for an episode of Everyday Art Room from 2020. Listen to their wide-ranging conversation about literacy, creativity, opening a bookstore, the beginnings of Dot Day, and so much more!   Resources and Links View Peter Reynolds' Website FableVision Studios The Blue Bunny Bookstore Reynolds TLC Dot Day Make Your Mark: A Coloring Book-ish

School has started (for most of us), and Tim and Amanda are back to answer those back-to-school questions in the September mailbag. After quickly celebrating some teacher wins, Amanda relishes the opportunity to break out her bulletin board skills. The conversation then moves on to pre-K classes, art club, and what to do with projects that aren't exactly going the way you planned. Resources and Links What do New Teachers Need to Know About Classroom Management? 8 Ways to Sing, Dance, and Play Your Way to a Successful Pre-K Art Period! Check out the Running an Elementary Art Club PRO Pack Also see Sarah in Art Show Secrets! First-Year Art Teacher's Guide Take a look at what you need to know about the NOW Conference

After last week's back to school episode with Janet Taylor, Tim brings Kyle Wood on the show to catch up and share some of his best strategies for starting the year. They discuss neurographic drawing and chat about some of the ideas Kyle will be exploring in the upcoming year. Listen as they dive in with a conversation about tempera cakes, and why going back to basics can be good for teachers and students alike this school year.   Resources and Links See AOEU's Back to School resources for 2024 Keep an eye on the AOEU Magazine for Back to Basics articles! Check out the Who Arted? podcast Find out about all of the PD and Curriculum offerings from AOEU

As most teachers are headed back to school, Janet Taylor joins Tim to share some of their best strategies for starting the year. They discuss the importance of creating a welcoming climate and environment for your students, and share some of their favorite activities. Listen as they break down drawing prompts, interactive artmaking strategies, storytelling, and other ways to get your students involved and interacting in the first weeks of school.  Resources and Links See AOEU's Back to School resources for 2024 Find Janet's ideas on her Instagram page Find out about all of the PD and Curriculum offerings from AOEU Six Ways to Support New Art Teachers Quiz About the Teacher Use the code WINTER99 for $50 off the Winter NOW Conference

In this episode from the archives, Tim shares some thoughts on what he thinks will be important for teachers as they begin the school year. In today's episode, he talks through six thoughts about challenges that will be facing teachers and what we can do to help ourselves. Listen as he discusses being proactive with organization and management, being flexible and adaptable, ideas for building community, and finding your outlet away from the classroom.  Resources and Links What Do New Teachers Need to Know About Starting the Year? Creating a Welcoming Environment Five Ways to Be a Better Teacher This Year

In today's episode, Amanda joins Tim for the August mailbag live from Milwaukee (home of the 2024 Summer NOW Conference). After a quick discussion about Instagram shenanigans (and a brief garden update!), they move into advice for first-year teachers, 30-minute classes, and which art teacher problems we could wave away if we had a magic wand. Resources and Links View Tim and Amanda's Olympic Training Reel What do New Teachers Need to Know About Classroom Management? First-Year Art Teacher's Guide Strategies to Effectively Manage 30-minute Classes Cassie Stephens's episode on 30-minute classes The Zero-Budget Art Room Use the code WINTER99 for Early Bird Pricing for the next NOW Conference

With the 2024 Summer NOW Conference happening THIS WEEK, Jen Leban 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 Reggie Laurent, and how teachers can make the most of their professional learning on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Join us at the NOW Conference July 31st, August 1st, and August 2nd, where we will share three days of PD that will have you inspired and excited for the upcoming school year!  Resources and Links Listen to the podcast interview with artist Reggie Laurent Find all you need to know about the NOW Conference Check out Tim and Amanda's Olympic Training Reel

Ahead of his keynote presentation at next week's NOW Conference, artist Reggie Laurent joins Tim on the podcast today. After telling about his childhood, developing his creativity, and his beginnings as an artist, Reggie shares a few more stories about his life and his art. Listen as he discusses his own artistic voice, how he began working with teachers, and why he wants his work to inspire students to be part of his legacy.  Resources and Links Follow Reggie on Instagram and check out his website Find out about (and register for!) the NOW Conference See Reggie's partnership with Woodpecker Crafts

In today's episode, Janet joins Tim to discuss her upcoming article about what makes teachers stay at their schools or stay in the position they are in. Whether at the beginning of a teaching career or nearer the end, there are a lot of reasons teachers feel valued and committed to their school. Listen as the conversation covers six of the most important reasons, including supportive and transparent administration, a collaborative and positive environment, and a culture that values the arts.  Resources and Links Read Janet's Why Teachers Stay article Take a look at the State of Art Education Survey Find out about all of the PD and Curriculum offerings from AOEU Six Ways to Support New Art Teachers 3 Considerations for Taking on a New Job or Position