Guest host Jonathan Juravich uses today's episode for a discussion with art teacher Cassie Fanning about SEL and teaching kindergarten. Listen as they discuss the importance of play, how to be more fun and creative in your classroom, and how we can teach our kindergarteners to be part of a community. They also take the time to share a long list of their favorite books for kindergarten. Resources and Links View AOEU's 1-2-3 A-R-T YouTube series! Listen to The Art of SEL 7 Lesson Ideas to...

In today's episode, Nic takes the opportunity to say goodbye. After two and a half years, and hundreds of episodes, she is stepping away from Everyday Art Room. In today's episode, she spends time talking about her own life, where she goes for help, and what feeds her own soul. She also says thank you to a few people and shares her hopes for the future of the podcast. Resources and Links Jenni Linnet Coaching Kelly Gorder GreenLights (Matthew McConaughey) Lisa Congdon and Phil Hansen Apply...

In today's episode, AOEU Podcast Director Tim Bogatz joins Nic to share stories about their respective podcasts and talk about what happens behind the scenes while recording. They share some of their best stories, talk about their favorite episodes, and some of the guests they love talking to. But before all of that happens, Nic has a big announcement you need to hear.   Resources and Links Hear Nic's favorite episodes with Peter Reynolds, Cassie Stephens, and Yaz Gate Apply to be an...

Debi West joins Nic on the podcast today to discuss her life as a retired-"ish" art teacher and how she stays involved in art education outside of the classroom. Listen as they cover the importance of mentoring, Debi's work with NAEA's Emeritus Art Educators group, and why art teachers should be collaborating no matter the stage of their career. Resources and Links Follow Debi on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook See the Westspectations website Read Debi's articles on the AOEU website If...

On today's episode, Nic is joined by Nicole McAfoose to discuss the how and why of creating resources for choice-based teaching. Listen as they discuss how Nicole first started her journey to choice-based instruction, the resources she creates and shares, and the work she puts in to keep her YouTube channel going strong. Resources and Links Follow Nicole on Instagram and Facebook View the Big Ideas Art Studio YouTube page See the Big Ideas Art Studio webpage

Today is the fourth and final episode in a series of Everyday Art Room podcasts that explore the national standards. Today, Nic gets a variety of voices to come on the show to talk about the Present standard. Listen as they discuss how students can meet the Present standard, how they can curate an art space, and the importance of sharing with peers, teachers, and the community at large.  Resources and Links Follow Ann, Polly, and Michelle on Instagram View the NCCAS Conceptual Framework ...

This is the third episode in a series of Everyday Art Room podcasts that explore the national standards. Today, Nic gets a variety of voices to come on the show to talk about the Connect standard. Listen as they discuss how students can meet the Connect standard, why we should be utilizing personal experiences, and the importance of voice and choice.  Resources and Links Follow Ann, Corbie, Renee, and Michelle on Instagram View the NCCAS Conceptual Framework NCAS Visual Art Standards...

This is the second episode in a series of Everyday Art Room podcasts that explore the national standards. Today, Nic gets a variety of voices to come on the show to talk about the Respond standard. Listen as they discuss how students can meet the Respond standard, the numerous activities that can be done in the art room to help students respond to work, and why your students might just need to have a debate about abstract art.  Resources and Links Follow Ann, Joseph, and Lindsey on...

This is the first episode in a series of upcoming podcasts exploring the national standards, and today, Janet Taylor joins Nic to talk about the Create standard. Listen as they discuss when and why the standards changed, how we can break them down, and why your teaching probably lends itself to meeting the standards more than you might think. Resources and Links View the NCCAS Conceptual Framework NCAS Visual Art Standards At-A-Glance View the PRO Learning Pack on Implementing the...

Nic always loves working with (and talking about) fiber arts. Today she is joined by Trixi Symonds, founder of Sew a Softie, for a wide-ranging conversation about teaching fibers to kids. Listen as they discuss Trixi's books, fostering a passion for art, and how to build community through sewing and fibers.  Resources and Links View Trixi's Instagram and see the Sew a Softie Facebook page Check out the Sew a Softie YouTube channel See the Zenki Way and the Sewing Simple Softies books View...

Nic has been working with Special Olympics Minnesota recently to design a poster series that will be in elementary schools across the state. Today, she talks to Nick Cedergren and Katie Howlett about Special Olympics Minnesota, the importance of inclusion, and the goal of making activities accessible to all students. Resources and Links View Tess's Instagram See Special Olympics Minnesota on Instagram and Twitter, as well as Facebook You can follow Nick on Twitter as well Click here to ...

Teaching kindergarteners is always a challenge. But what does it look like this year, when many kindergarteners are coming to you with no experience ever being in a classroom? Listen today as Nic and Lindsey Moss talk about helping fine motor skills and foundational art experiences, as well as Lindsey's new "1-2-3, A-R-T!" YouTube series. Resources and Links Subscribe to AOEU's Youtube Channel Teaching Kindergarteners About Primary Colors Learning to Love Kindergarten Check out the ...

As social and emotional learning becomes more important in our classrooms, many art teachers have started to explore art therapy. In today's episode, Nic talks to art therapist Caroline Tye about what art therapy is, what it is not, and what art teachers need to know about the practice. Resources and Links View the Art Therapy Basics PRO Pack Bringing Art Therapy Techniques Into Your Practice Learn about the Art Therapy for Art Teachers graduate course

As art teachers, it is important for many of us to try to find a creative outlet. In today's discussion, Nic talks to Heather Levine about how she manages a jewelry-making business with her full-time teaching position. Listen as they discuss the joy of artmaking, the business side of being an artist, and the difficulty of finding a balance between the two.  Resources and Links Visit the AOEU Magazine 5 Jewelry Techniques to Use in the Art Room View the Metal Jewelry Making PRO Pack See...

Last week, Nic explored the AOEU Master's Degree with Dr. Alyson Pouls. Today, we will hear from three AOEU alumni about their experiences earning their degree. Listen as Holly Shedden, Heather Anderson, and Kendra Berg about their journey to the Master's Degree and how what they have learned has affected their teaching. Resources and Links Learn all about the Master's Degree from AOEU How to Create Space to Earn a Master's Degree How Action Research Can Improve Your Teaching

Over the next couple of weeks, Nic will be exploring the AOEU Master's Degree on the podcast. Today Nic welcomes on Dr. Alyson Pouls, an associate professor and academic advisor, to talk about the Master's program. Listen as they discuss what to expect when entering the program, how research is conducted, and some tips for making your graduate experience a successful one. Resources and Links Learn all about the Master's Degree from AOEU How to Create Space to Earn a Master's Degree How ...

So many teachers are looking for extra opportunities, especially during the summer. In today's episode, Nic welcomes on Amanda O'Shaughnessy to talk about her Studio Art Club and the opportunities it affords her. Listen as they discuss diving into new mediums, working with adult learners, and how Amanda is trying to find balance with everything on her plate. Resources and Links Follow Amanda on Instagram See the Studio Art Club website Learn about the upcoming NOW Conference

In this episode from the archives, Yaz Gate joins Nic to share her own story, including her experience teaching refugees, tapping into your joy, and helping foster creativity in your students. Yaz shares the idea that we all have the power to create, and with our creations, we all have the power to share our stories. If you want to hear more from Yaz, she will be presenting at the NOW Conference on July 29th. Resources and Links See Yaz's Youtube Channel Follow Yaz on Instagram Visit Yaz's...

One of the most valuable times for us as educators is the time we have during the summer. And the break that has come this summer is so necessary for so many of us after the year of teaching we all experienced. In today's episode, Nic talks about how she is healing this summer as well as taking advantage of the opportunities that have been presented to her.  Resources and Links Follow Arounna Khounnoraj on Instagram Learn all about the NOW Conference Corinne Sovey, Kate Jarvik Burch, ...

The NOW Conference--coming up on July 29th--is always a great day of professional learning. In today's episode, Nic gives you a preview that comes directly from the presenters themselves. Listen as a handful of teachers from across the country tell you about the topics they are passionate about, why you should learn about them, and the best ways to take away learning from the NOW Conference next month. Resources and Links Follow Karen on Instagram and Twitter See Yvonne's Instagram and...

The NOW Conference--coming up on July 29th--is always a great day of professional learning. At times, however, it can present you with an overwhelming amount of information. That is why Nic is excited for the conference guide that is coming this summer! Listen as she discusses the guide, how to use it, and why sketchnotes are always a good idea when it's time to learn. Resources and Links Check out the book about sketchnotes by Mike Rohde Sketchnoting for You and Your Classroom Learn all...

Social media can play a powerful role in the way we connect and collaborate as art teachers, allowing us to share ideas, build them out, and make them our own. In today's episode, Nic discusses how ideas can develop, how we influence each other, and how we learn from what other teachers post. Listen as Nic tells the story of how a single lesson has spread, with the help of Poppy Phillips and Shana Gutterman.  Resources and Links Read Poppy's Facebook post Follow Shana on Twitter and...

In today's episode, Nic welcomes on Jonathan Juravich. Jonathan is an elementary art teacher from Columbus, Ohio, and the host of AOEU's newest podcast, The Art of SEL. Listen as they discuss the role of social and emotional learning in the art room, the importance of SEL concepts, and how they play into Jonathan's discussions on the new podcast.   Resources and Links How do you Teach Empathy?--view Jonathan's TED Talk Watch Jonathan on AOEU's Instagram Live Learn more about Jonathan...

In today's episode, Nic again solicits advice from expert teachers around the country--this time on the topic of mindfulness. No matter where you are in your school year, it can be helpful to bring some calm to your classroom. Listen as Nic shares ideas and listens to ideas from a number of teachers on mindfulness practices that work well in the art room.  Resources and Links See management topics on the AOEU website See the Instagram post that Nic mentioned Follow Nic on Instagram

In today's episode, Nic again solicits advice from expert teachers around the country--this time on the topic of mindfulness. No matter where you are in your school year, it can be helpful to bring some calm to your students and your classroom. Listen as Nic shares ideas and takes suggestions from a number of teachers on mindfulness practices that work well in the art room.  Resources and Links See more on mindfulness from AOEU Check out the Mind Yeti website and YouTube Channel Arts...