Yichien Cooper and Reilly Powers
What does it really take to make the case for the arts in today’s educational landscape? In this episode, Matt and Laura talk with NAEA’s Higher Education Division Director Yichien Cooper and Preservice Division Director Reilly Powers for an in-depth conversation about why advocating for art education matters more than ever. Together, they explore how art educators can effectively communicate the value of studio practice, creative research, and scholarly work. Yichien and Reilly share insights into how graduate programs can work more intentionally with schools to present a unified picture of art’s impact on students—whether it’s through life skills, critical thinking, or cultural impact. Discover practical strategies and big-picture ideas to advocate for the arts with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
Listen Now | Episode 240
Sean Justice, Marta Cabral, and Andrea Kantrowitz
Multimodal learning can transform art education. Inviting students to create, explore, and understand through many senses makes creativity richer and learning deeper. In this episode, the Creativity Department speaks with Sean Justice (Texas State University), Marta Cabral (College of Staten Island), and Andrea Kantrowitz (State University of New York at New Paltz). These educators and artists explain how reframing traditional artmaking—sometimes through something as simple as new terminology—can encourage flexibility, creativity, and critical thinking. Dive into the concept of a “material inquiry lens,” a framework that empowers students to experiment with and understand that materials are not limited to their conventional uses. By embracing multi-modal learning techniques, art educators can foster deeper engagement, cross-disciplinary connections, and a mindset of exploration.
Listen Now | Episode 239
Cameron McKinstry
Unlock a new level of creativity in the art room with a tool that blends narrative, creativity, and collaboration in a way you might not expect! Tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) offer far more than fantasy adventures, they're powerful tools for developing artistic thinking. In this episode the Creativity Department explores the intersection of art education and collaborative storytelling with Cameron McKinstry, K12Art Chat Producer, Game Master, and Marketing Associate for Davis Publications. From character and world design to visual, oral, and collaborative storytelling, TTRPGs open a rich landscape of artistic expression that can help foster creativity, critical thinking, and social skills in students.
Listen Now | Episode 238
Jeff Broome and Renee Sandell
In this episode, Dr. Jeff Broome, Professor of Art Education at Florida State University, and Dr. Renee Sandell, artist, author, and educator, discuss the power of storytelling in art education. Drawing from their book, Real Lives Now: Narratives of Art Educators and 21st Century Learning, they explore how authentic teacher narratives reveal the deeper meaning behind what art educators do each day. They express how storytelling brings to life essential 21st-century learning skills like creativity, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking. They reflect on how narrative inquiry has shaped their own teaching and research, offering a powerful lens for understanding the impact of art education today.
Listen Now | Episode 237
Sarah Delphus
Post-pandemic, many schools have continued some form of online or blended learning. This means, even as traditional instruction has resumed, online learning remains a prevalent way of providing flexible education opportunities and ensuring continuity. In this episode, the Creativity Department talks with Sarah Delphus, NAEA’s Eastern Region Vice President-Elect, about ways to make hybrid learning spaces into environments where students can be their creative selves. Explore practical strategies for adapting lessons to meet specific student needs, challenges and successes of integrating technology into creative instruction, as well as reliable techniques to keep students engaged online.
Listen Now | Episode 236
Susan Silva
With limited budgets and equipment, photography can seem like an out-of-reach option for art class. But these barriers shouldn’t prevent it from being included. Understanding lighting, composition, and documentation are valuable skills! Smartphones and free editing apps can make photography an easy, creative way for students to explore art. In this episode, Matt and Laura invited Susan Silva, Art Specialist for Fairfax County Schools, to share her experience teaching the subject. From developing critical thinking and visual literacy skills to easy and practical tips you can use with existing projects—Susan shares a host of reasons and ways to embed photography into your program.
Listen Now | Episode 235
Momo Pixel
Award-winning art director, game designer, and multidisciplinary artist Momo Pixel joins the Creativity Department to talk about her work, her process, and her perspective on art making! Momo is the creator of the viral video game "Hair Nah" as well as other interactive games for powerhouse companies such as Google and Hulu. Enjoy the conversation as she shares her creative journey as an art director, pixel artist, designer, and musician. Explore the process of working in both analog and digital spaces and the intentionality of working across media. Momo has a unique perspective to learn from! Listen in for a dose of her passion and discover how choosing joy and positivity shapes her art!
Listen Now | Episode 234
Jorge Lucero
How can letters of recommendation be a form of care for art educators? In this episode the Creative Department explores this idea as well as alternative forms care takes with Jorge Lucero. As Professor of Art Education at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Jorge found himself writing quite a few letters of recommendation and saw an opportunity to turn the work into an act of care for his colleagues. Discover his process for highlighting the “invisible” work art educators do as well as how he addresses the challenges they face. Listen to learn how showcasing the relationships educators build and promoting how they hold space for and celebrate their students can be a powerful act of care.
Listen Now | Episode 233
Jason Blair
Learners begin school thinking like artists, “they are playful, take risks, and are comfortable with ambiguity. They have an innate mastery of what it means to be creative that slowly declines if we don’t do our part to help it.” In this episode, The Creativity Department speaks with returning guest Jason Blair about teaching in a K-5 environment! Together, they dive into the essential role arts play in elementary education, exploring how artistic experiences shape development. Discover how artmaking goes beyond creating something visually appealing. It supports the growth of critical skills, strengthens students’ ability to communicate complex ideas, and fosters a deeper sense of community. Through playful exploration, multi-modal activities, and imaginative projects, art educators empower students to express themselves, build confidence, and strengthen problem-solving skills!
Listen Now | Episode 232
Tamryn McDermott
When students engage in learning through multiple pathways—such as drawing a concept, writing about it, and then responding to inquiries about it—they are immersed in more opportunities for understanding. Known as multimodal learning, this process engages multiple senses (auditory, visual, and kinesthetic), allowing students to process information more deeply. At its core, art education touches upon these modes naturally. However, it can be challenging to engage them all at the same time. For this episode, Laura invited Tamryn McDermott, an artist, researcher, and Assistant Professor of Art Education at Utah State University, on to discuss what multimodal learning is and how to integrate it into already existing curriculum. From utilizing media arts and technology to approaching classic projects from different perspectives and debunking misconceptions, Tamryn shares her expertise and practical strategies.
Listen Now | Episode 231
Laura and Matt Grundler
The start of a new school year is exciting but can be daunting as well, especially in the art room with so many students and the always-evolving world of technology. In this episode, Matt and Laura discuss how they prepare for this time. From curriculum planning and establishing routines for students to implementing time-saving strategies and connecting with fellow art educators in your district, discover ways to launch the year with joy! Explore how to create a sense of community that might be missing, hear tried and true methods for engagement, and learn how implementing new technology can help. Matt and Laura share their experience and some great tips to get your year rolling.
Listen Now | Episode 230
Heather Fountain
Art educators may understand best that students do not learn in the same way. That’s just another reason why the art room is such a great place for students to shine in their own unique ways! In this episode, the Creativity Department talks with Dr. Heather Fountain, the author of Differentiated Instruction in Art, about how to identify and support the varying needs of all students. Honoring learning styles and helping build strong connections is what Differentiated Instruction is all about. Listen in and explore practical tips for creating supportive and inclusive environments, as well as actionable approaches that art teachers can use to create projects, assess students, and differentiate content and process in the art room.
Listen Now | Episode 229
Alicia Gray
When students feel safe, respected, and empowered, art becomes more than a subject; it becomes a path to healing and self-discovery. In this episode, the Creativity Department sits down with Alicia Gray to discuss her contribution to the recently published book by Davis, Restorative Practices in Education through the Arts. As a former art teacher in a trauma-informed school and current Director of Art Education at Montserrat College of Art, Alicia brings meaningful insight to the ongoing conversation about the importance of restorative practices in education. Tune in to explore how they can transform the art room by building stronger relationships, fostering empathy, and creating a supportive environment for all students. Discover actionable strategies and real-world examples from Alicia’s experiences that you can implement in your own program today.
Listen Now | Episode 228
Ray Yang & Amanda Karhuse
In a world that prioritizes productivity and measurable outcomes, making the case for art can feel like an uphill battle. Having strong partner organizations to lean on when advocating, especially in education, is essential! In this episode, the Creativity Department explores the work of the Arts Education Alliance. Laura and Matt are joined by Amanda Karhuse, Assistant Executive Director, Advocacy & Public Policy for The National Association for Music Education (NafME), and Ray Yang the National Art Education Association’s (NAEA) Director of Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion, and Special Initiatives. Listen in and learn about the core mission, collaborative efforts, and overall important byproducts of this collaboration between NAEA, NafME, NAMAE, NDEO, and the Educational Theater Association.
Listen Now | Episode 227
Matt & Laura Grundler
In this episode, we’re doing things a little differently! This week, we bring you an episode of TAB Storytellers where Matt and Laura were guests. Enjoy this inspiring and insightful conversation about The Creativity Department’s shared journey through art education hosted by Jen Ferrari and Abi Paytoe Gbayee. As partners in both life and the art room, Matt and Laura Grundler open up about the unique dynamic they bring to teaching, learning, and supporting one another in their professional roles. Listen in as they dive into the significance of advocacy and explore what it means to be collaborative educators. Examine the importance of balance when navigating creative and logistical responsibilities, as well as how their partnership enhances both their individual and collective approaches to teaching art.
Listen Now | Episode 226
Rachel McLaughlin
As debate around using artificial intelligence in the creative process continues to heat up, The Creativity Department welcomes art educator Rachel McLaughlin, of 10,000 Trees Music, onto the podcast to talk about using A.I. in the arts classroom. Rachel offers thoughtful insight into the evolving role of AI-generated sound and music in visual arts as well as how technology can enhance artistic expression overall. Hear examples of how students have used digital platforms to create, opening new avenues of learning to those who might not consider themselves artistic. If you’re uncertain about incorporating tech or A.I. in your program, listen in! Rachel’s success stories illustrate how it shifted her opinion and fosters confidence, experimentation, and interdisciplinary thinking for her students!
Listen Now | Episode 225
Trevor Bryan
As art educators, we know the benefits of visual literacy! Building art-centered comprehension has positive effects both inside and outside the art room. But can it help with students’ reading comprehension? Author and art educator Trevor Bryan thinks so. Matt and Laura talk to Trevor about how art and literacy are connected in this week’s episode. Trevor shares insights from his own experience teaching storytelling through art using illustration and comics. During the conversation, they also explore the crucial distinction between comprehending a story and being able to demonstrate that comprehension. Discover practical creative strategies art educators can use to help students bridge that gap.
Listen Now | Episode 224
Veronica Hicks
The Creativity Department welcomes Veronica Hicks, professor of art education at Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts to talk about the role of restorative practices in the art room. Veronica explores how these practices can take the form of rituals in the classroom, offering structure, security, and intention in the creative process. She explains how restorative methods like reflection can help foster emotional growth, build trust, and deepen engagement for both students and educators. Whether through specific art forms or open-ended creative experiences, Veronica highlights how the classroom can become a space of transformation through the utilization of restorative practices.
Listen Now | Episode 223
Jorge Lucero
As art educators, we know that artmaking can be therapeutic and offers a multitude of benefits to students, but how does it impact them in ways that aren’t obvious? The Creativity Department invited returning guest, Jorge Lucero, to discuss! Jorge is Professor of Art Education at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and he’s here to dive into the philosophy around creating knowledge. Listen in and explore the broader value of artmaking and how creative practice fosters a range of essential life skills. Hear how the art room can be a space for students to embrace risk-taking as well as to explore growth when it fails. Discover strategies to better recognize the often “invisible” outcomes of arts learning that aren’t always reflected in grades. Enjoy this conversation that reaffirms the essential role of creativity in shaping not just artists but resilient, reflective, and compassionate individuals.
Listen Now | Episode 222
Amy Pfeiler-Wunder and Mary Kate Bergh
Play provides opportunities for experimentation and problem-solving. This creates new forms of knowledge and, in the art room, continues a cycle of making and knowing. In this episode, the Creativity Department welcomes NAEA’s President-Elect, Amy Pfeiler-Wunder, and her colleague, Mary Kate Bergh. Enjoy this conversation about the critical role play has in the art room as they unpack what multi-modal learning is and why it’s essential to foster creativity and deeper engagement. Discover real-life strategies and classroom experiences that highlight the connection between playful learning and student growth. Whether you’re unfamiliar with multi-modal learning and its cognitive benefits for students or looking for practical ways to infuse more of it into your program, Amy and Mary Kate share their wealth of experience for you to implement!
Listen Now | Episode 221
Cindy Todd
As the school year winds down, art educators excitedly look forward to having space for themselves. It’s finally time to concentrate on our own creativity. In this episode, the Creativity Department sits down with Cindy Todd, President of the National Art Education Association (NAEA). Enjoy this exploration about using summer break to nurture artistic practices and personal well-being. Cindy shares approaches to staying creatively engaged, and here’s a spoiler—it isn’t just about making art. Creative rejuvenation is about sustaining the passion and mindset that fuels meaningful teaching throughout the school year. Whether you’re looking for new ideas or just need encouragement to pick up your sketchbook again, discover thoughtful insights and practical tips to embrace a more creatively fulfilling summer!
Listen Now | Episode 220
Cody Puckett and Kim Guadagnoli
In this end-of-year episode, hosts Matt Grundler and Dr. Mi’Jan Celie Tho-Biaz sit down with Connected Arts Network (CAN) educators Cody Puckett and Kim Guadagnoli to reflect on the journey of the past school year. Together, they dive into the highs and lows of teaching, exploring personal growth, professional challenges, and the powerful role of action research in shaping a more responsive and engaging arts curriculum. Cody and Kim share practical strategies they’ve implemented to increase student buy-in on creative projects, build stronger classroom connections, and navigate the ever-changing landscape of arts education. Tune in to hear more of Cody and Kim’s insights that you can bring into your classroom next year!
About Connected Arts Networks (CAN): The National Art Education Association (NAEA), in partnership with the Educational Theater Association, National Association for Music Education, National Dance Education Organization, and NYC Department of Education’s Office of Arts and Special Projects has launched a nationwide initiative to create virtual Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). The goal of this Connected Arts Networks (CAN) is to build a sustainable model of professional learning to help teachers better serve students.
Listen Now | Episode 219
Elizabeth Zwierzynski and Leslie Grace
As the school year winds down, educators often face the challenge of creating meaningful closure to the school year. In this episode of the Connected Arts Network (CAN) Series, hosts Dr. Mi’Jan Celie Tho-Biaz and Matt Grundler welcome CAN members Elizabeth Zwierzynski and Leslie Grace to share how they close out the year with intention, reflection, and a strong sense of community among their students. Together, they explore strategies for sustaining creative momentum in the final weeks of school. Elizabeth and Leslie share thoughtful, student-centered approaches, such as how students can reflect on their personal growth through their art, helping students visualize their future creative goals, and having students’ opinions valued within the art room. From an end-of-year art show to one large collaborative project, Leslie and Elizabeth offer insight into how they celebrate their students’ progress!
About Connected Arts Networks (CAN): The National Art Education Association (NAEA), in partnership with the Educational Theater Association, National Association for Music Education, National Dance Education Organization, and NYC Department of Education’s Office of Arts and Special Projects has launched a nationwide initiative to create virtual Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). The goal of this Connected Arts Networks (CAN) is to build a sustainable model of professional learning to help teachers better serve students.
Listen Now | Episode 218