The August Mailbag: New Teacher Advice, Beginning Lessons, and Art Teacher Gifts

Starting your first year of teaching can be exciting, but it also comes with challenges that no one fully prepares you for. In this episode of Art Ed Radio, Tim Bogatz and Janet Taylor dig into questions from new teachers about the difficult scenarios they’re already facing. From difficult colleagues to pushy administrators, supply and budget shortages, tough parents, and even unsafe student behavior, we share strategies to help you navigate it all. Whether you’re setting boundaries, finding your voice with parents, or just trying to keep your art room stocked, this episode is packed with practical advice and reassurance that you’re not alone. Resources and Links Join the Art of Ed Community Learn more about the Art Ed NOW Conference September Mailbag: Saying No Without Guilt Janet's podcast on assessment and grading Strategies for Defusing and De-Escalating Behaviors Check out the Art Room Makeover Playlist

In this episode of Art Ed Radio, Tim talks with Chicago-area high school art teacher Liz Brent from AOEU’s Draw the Line series. Liz shares her journey from a chaotic first year without a mentor to becoming a confident teacher who helps others manage classrooms with structure and ease. You’ll hear why classroom management is the foundation of everything we do, how Liz learned to turn challenges into strategies, and why observing veteran teachers is one of the best ways to grow. Liz also shares practical, classroom-tested tips for creating a calm, creative, and productive space where students can thrive. Resources and Links Watch the Draw the Line series on YouTube What Do New Teachers Need to Know About Classroom Management? Find other classroom management resources on the Art of Ed website See the Art of Ed's FLEX Curriculum for additional resources Learn more about the Art Ed NOW Conference

In this episode of Art Ed Radio, Tim Bogatz and Amanda Heyn tackle the real questions art teachers are asking—everything from how to protect your prep time, to saying “no” without guilt, to deciding which lessons deserve to be repeated year after year. Along the way, you’ll hear strategies for handling challenging student behavior, creative approaches to gamifying the art room, and a lively discussion of Amanda and Tim's favorite artists. Resources and Links Check out the Art of Ed Community and join in the conversation! See the Art of Ed's FLEX Curriculum Check out all the ceramics resources in FLEX See John Hansen's gamification board on Art Teacher Cribs Watch 5 Minutes of Art History about Do Ho Suh Learn more about the Art Ed NOW Conference

What does it take to build a teaching career across countries, cultures, and continents? Art teacher Lindsey Bailey joins Tim today to share her 15-year journey teaching in Singapore, China, Cambodia, the Middle East, and now Ethiopia. From navigating new cultures and languages to finding creative inspiration abroad, Lindsey offers insight into the challenges and rewards of international teaching. Listen as she discusses how she first started teaching internationally, the benefits and drawbacks of living and teaching in different countries, and offers advice for teachers thinking about doing the same. Resources and Links Connect with Lindsey at cakecrush.com or on Instagram @cakecrushonthetown Explore the Teaching Art Around the World series: Norway Thailand India South Korea Ethiopia Germany Have You Ever Thought About Teaching Overseas? Learn more about the Art Ed NOW Conference

Teaching clay can feel messy and intimidating—but it doesn’t have to! In this week’s Art Ed Radio, Tim chats with AOE Curriculum Designer Angela Matsuoka about simple tips, classroom hacks, and brand-new FLEX resources to help you expand your ceramics offerings this year, no matter what level you teach. Listen as they discuss how you can start small, how to be more intentional with your planning, and where you can find the resources you need to support your teaching. Resources and Links See the Art of Ed's FLEX Curriculum Surface Design Explorations Fired and Refined Wonders of Wheel Throwing Check out all the ceramics resources in FLEX Additional AOE resources on ceramics

Classroom management can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. In today's episode, Kyle Wood joins Tim and shares practical tips and creative systems that keep the art room calm, focused, and fun. The conversation covers a variety of topics, including setting boundaries, creating routines that fit your style, and reframing anxiety about disruptions into intentional planning.  They also discuss Kyle's role in the Draw the Line series on AOEU’s YouTube channel, where you can find even more classroom management ideas. Resources and Links Watch the Draw the Line series on YouTube What Do New Teachers Need to Know About Classroom Management? Find other classroom management resources on the Art of Ed website Listen to Kyle's Who Arted? Podcast See the Art of Ed's FLEX Curriculum Learn more about the Art Ed NOW Conference

Fresh off hosting the Art Ed NOW Conference, Tim and Amanda are here with the August mailbag! After a garden talk update, they answer listener questions about starting the school year strong, surviving the chaos of short class periods, finding the perfect gift for an art teacher, and learning hundreds of student names without losing your mind. Resources and Links Podcast advice on Getting Hired as an Art Educator Read the Dear First Year Art Teacher article See the Art of Ed's FLEX Curriculum Check out the Art of Ed Community for August events AOE's Back to School resources Learn more about the Art Ed NOW Conference Shout out to Pesky Pete Learn about Tim's favorite plant, Anise Hyssop

The 25th Art Ed Now Conference is happening this weekend, and Tim is joined by co-host Amanda Heyn to celebrate the milestone with a look back at some of their favorite moments from past conferences. From wild games and surprise guests to giant novelty cakes and unforgettable costumes, they share behind-the-scenes stories that reflect the joy, community, and creativity that Art Ed NOW is known for. They also discuss what’s coming up at this weekend’s event, including must-see presentations, exciting giveaways, and new ways to make art together. Whether you’re a longtime attendee or thinking about joining for the first time, this episode will get you excited for everything Art Ed NOW has to offer. Resources and Links See the Art of Ed's FLEX Curriculum Register for the Art Ed NOW Conference Learn more about AOEU's Certificate Programs

Art educator Joel Scholten returns to the show for a fun, insightful conversation about longevity in teaching, embracing creativity, and making meaningful connections—in and out of the classroom. He gives a behind-the-scenes look at the hilarious promotional reels he created for the upcoming Art Ed NOW Conference,  and what participants can expect from his hands-on artmaking session that starts the Main event. The conversation also dives in to practical advice for traveling art teachers, innovative cleanup strategies, and why routines are foundational to building student relationships and classroom success. Resources and Links Watch Joel's Let Creativity Reign reel See the Art of Ed's FLEX Curriculum Learn more about the Art Ed NOW Conference Follow Joel on Instagram and TikTok

Get ready for one of the spiciest episodes of Art Ed Radio yet! Tim Bogatz is joined by Amanda Heyn for a long-awaited “Hot Takes” edition, where they share their boldest, most controversial opinions about all things art education. They also read hot takes from the AOEU community, share incredible voicemails from listeners and the AOE team, and rant (lovingly) about cliché student artwork, extra credit, perspective drawing, and why you're spending way too much time worrying about glaze. Resources and Links Join the discussion over on the Art of Ed Community See the Art of Ed's FLEX Curriculum Learn more about the Art Ed NOW Conference Overrated: Art History Edition Do you have a hot take? Leave us a message at 515-209-2595!