Spiraling Curriculum, Sketchbooks, and Student Choice

In today's episode of Art Ed Radio, Nadia Fernandez-Castillo joins the show to talk about how she built a strong, structured middle school art program rooted in a modern version of the Atelier model. After more than two decades in education and years of teaching middle school art, she shares how repetition, observation, sketchbook practice, and gradual student choice can work together to build both skills and confidence. The conversation explores how a spiral curriculum can make complex ideas more approachable for teachers and more effective for students. Nadia explains why she starts with the basics, how she uses drills and repetition to help students improve, and why she believes artistic growth comes from practice rather than talent. She also shares how she balances structure with personal voice so students can develop technical skills without losing creativity. Resources and Links Join the Art of Ed Community Listen to the Art Ed Radio episode on Atelier Training Draw From Old Methods to Teach New K-12 Artists How to Make Sketchbooks a Vital Part of Your Classroom 100 Sketchbook Prompts Your Students Will Love

In this episode from the archives, Tim sits down with Jessica Stuver, a K–8 art teacher, to discuss Youth Art Month and why early advocacy is crucial for art education. Jessica shares practical strategies for celebrating student creativity, promoting the value of art programs, and making Youth Art Month meaningful for schools and communities. The conversation also explores the power of connection among art teachers, from conferences and professional learning communities (like the Art of Ed Community!) to everyday idea-sharing that helps educators stay inspired. As winter sets in, Jessica offers thoughtful advice on navigating the challenging months of the school year, preparing for the second semester, and prioritizing self-care while continuing to support students. Resources and Links See the Youth Art Month Class in FLEX Join the Art of Ed Community 15 Ways to Advocate for Your Program Simple Ways to Celebrate Youth Art Month in Your School 4 New Ideas to Celebrate Youth Art Month Listen to the Art Ed Radio episode on Advocating for Art Ed

In this March mailbag episode of Art Ed Radio, Tim Bogatz is joined by Amanda Heyn to give some advice for the upcoming NAEA National Convention and answer a variety of other questions. From light topics like underrated artists to heavier discussions about career uncertainty, this episode again offers some real talk about the issues art teachers are facing right now. The episode wraps up with a look at the State of Art Ed survey, including discussions about curriculum, behavior management, and showcasing student artwork. Resources and Links Join the Art of Ed Community See all of the Community Events that Tim and Amanda mentioned! Check out the State of Art Ed results Making the Most of Your Conference Experience Getting Started Teaching Art on a Cart PRO Pack How to Work Smarter, Not Harder with Art on a Cart

In today's episode of Art Ed Radio, Tim sits down with educator, author, and art teacher Erin Sponaugle to talk about art teacher burnout. Not only what it looks like, but why it hits differently in the art room, and what you can do to protect your energy without sacrificing your passion for teaching. Erin shares her experience moving from a fifth-grade classroom into art education, how she recovered from burnout herself, and why art teachers face unique challenges like invisible workload, creative decision fatigue, isolation, and the need for constant creative triage. If you've ever felt exhausted from making decisions all day, stretched thin by extra responsibilities, or pressured to be the "fun class" all the time, this conversation will feel very familiar, and the suggestions offered will hopefully be welcome. Resources and Links Join the Art of Ed Community See Erin's website and look at her Teachaholic book Listen to Erin's podcast and follow her on Instagram Hear Tim as a guest on the Creativity as Care episode See AOE Resources on Burnout

What happens when you combine March Madness with art history? You get Arts Madness, a 64-artist, bracket-style tournament that transforms art history into a student-driven debate filled with upsets and passionate arguments that can engage your students. In this episode of Art Ed Radio, Tim Bogatz welcomes back Kyle Wood to talk about how his version of Arts Madness has grown from a simple bulletin board idea into a nationwide classroom tradition, and why this year might be the biggest and best tournament he's ever done. If you've ever struggled to get students invested in art history, this episode is packed with ideas to spark curiosity, ownership, and authentic engagement. Resources and Links Join the Art of Ed Community See Kyle in the Draw the Line YouTube series Give a listen to the Who Arted? Podcast Also check out Fun Facts Daily

Your first year of teaching has a way of humbling you—especially when you're the only art teacher in the building, juggling hundreds of students, short class periods, and nonstop transitions. In this episode, Tim sits down with Ellie Henderson, a Chicago-area art teacher and ceramics enthusiast, to talk honestly about what her first year looked like, what surprised her most, and what helped her grow into year two. Ellie shares her experiences about learning to manage materials, pacing, and expectations in real time. Through reflections on big wins, necessary pivots, and learning alongside her students, Ellie offers a candid look at the realities of being a new teacher and why letting go of perfection is often the most important step forward. Resources and Links Join the Art of Ed Community What Do First Year Teachers Need to Know? Podcasts Check out the PRO Learning Packs for First Year Teachers See the Think Sheet that Ellie discussed Listen to Cassie Stephens' podcast episode on 30-minute classes

In this February mailbag episode of Art Ed Radio, Tim Bogatz is joined by Amanda Heyn to answer listener questions and reflect on what's happening in art classrooms right now. From creative routines and community connections to heavier conversations about burnout and career uncertainty, this episode offers some real talk about the issues that so many art teachers are facing. Tim and Amanda discuss what to teach during observations, how to navigate a challenging student teaching placement, and what to do when teaching feels harder than expected. They also talk honestly about shifting student motivation, the importance of struggle and experimentation in art class, and why art rooms are uniquely positioned to teach perseverance, curiosity, and creative risk-taking. The episode wraps up with a positive look at what students are doing well today and highlights weekly wins from the Art of Ed Community—celebrating student artwork, creative lessons, and small moments of success that make the work worthwhile. Resources and Links Join the Art of Ed Community Learn more about the Art Ed NOW Conference! How to make a croquemboche Amanda's book recommendation: The Art Thief See Amanda's PRO Pack on Preparing for Evaluations and Observations

In this episode, Jen Leban returns to the show to talk with Tim Bogatz about the upcoming Art Ed NOW Conference and what's new inside the Art of Education Community. Together, they share their excitement about creating connections, building meaningful relationships, and giving art teachers space to learn and recharge, all of which will happen this weekend at Art Ed NOW. Jen previews several conference highlights, including the opportunities for connection, conversation, and community-building. They discuss why it's essential for art teachers to take care of themselves, prioritize well-being, and make time for their own creativity. Resources and Links Join the Art of Ed Community Learn more about the Art Ed NOW Conference! Check out Austin Kleon's work before the keynote

In today's episode, Tim sits down with Joel Scholten, K–12 art educator, social media creator, and Art of Education FLEX Standards Manager, to talk about teaching elementary art, finding connection through social media, and rediscovering the joy in our creative practice. Joel shares how Instagram and TikTok have helped him connect with other art teachers, refine his instructional scaffolding, and discover contemporary artists that boost student engagement. He also previews his Art Ed NOW Conference presentation, walks through a powerful negative space watercolor lesson, and drops a budget-saving classroom hack you won't want to miss. He also closes the show with some words of wisdom on how the joy of teaching and creating for yourself can make you a better, more energized educator. Resources and Links Join the Art of Ed Community Follow Joel on Instagram Register for the Art Ed NOW Conference! Check out AOE's FLEX Curriculum

Art Ed Radio has officially reached 500 episodes, and we're celebrating a decade of conversations, creativity, and community! In this special milestone episode, host Tim Bogatz is joined by longtime collaborator Amanda Heyn to reflect on the podcast's evolution, favorite moments, standout guests, and how art education—and the Art of Ed Community—has changed over the last 10 years. From the early days of AOE Live to viral episode titles, from live podcast recordings to storytelling experiments and the ever-popular mailbag, this episode is a nostalgic look back—and an exciting look forward—at what makes Art Ed Radio special. Resources and Links Join the Art of Ed Community Check out An Art History Mystery Listen to interviews with Sir Ken Robinson and CJ Hendry Podcast Miniseries: The Art of SEL, Ask the Experts, What New Teachers Need to Know Learn more about the Art Ed NOW Conference!