What do you get when two groups of mission-driven creatives band together? A new podcast from The Creativity Department and Davis Publications! Listen to K12ArtChat the podcast and learn from experts in the field during in-depth conversations filled with education innovations, resources, tips, tools, and inspiration to keep you connected and moving forward!
Check out new episodes every Thursday!
Laura and Matt Grundler strive to help connect the dots for educators by building a professional learning network infused with art.
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Listen to past episodes of The Creativity Department podcast before it became the K12ArtChat podcast.
Find Historic Episodes
Carolyn Keogh
What goes on behind the scenes to make a museum experience meaningful, engaging, and relevant to its visitors? In this episode, The Creativity Department invites Carolyn Keogh, Director of Education and Public Programs at Olana State Historic Site in Hudson, New York, to explore the many facets of museum education. Carolyn shares her creative journey, the evolving role of museums, and how she develops programs and conversations that invite visitors of all ages to engage with art, history, and ideas. She also discusses the thoughtful work that goes into turning complex, challenging, and controversial works into opportunities for connection and dialogue. Listen to a fresh perspective on how museums can spark curiosity.
Listen Now | Episode 263
Dr. Stephen C. Newbold, Jr.
The beginning of a new school year is exciting—but it can also be overwhelming. Between new students, fresh routines, and the challenges educators face today, holding onto your joy isn't always easy. In this episode, The Creativity Department welcomes Dr. Stephen C. Newbold, Jr., to explore intentionally cultivating professional joy in the art room.
As the first art educator at his school, Dr. Newbold had the unique opportunity to build his classroom culture from the ground up. He shares the beginning-of-the-year rituals and routines that set a positive tone for students, along with the mindset shifts that help him stay grounded, energized, and joy-centered throughout the year. Stephen also discusses how he continually refines his curriculum to create meaningful experiences that foster creativity, connection, and joy.
Dan Ryder
We’ve all had to sit through professional development (PD) that didn't resonate with us as art educators, but that doesn't mean we have to walk away defeated and empty-handed. Returning guest Dan Ryder joins The Creativity Department to share his own experiences with PD that missed the mark for visual arts and the mindset that helps him get the most from every learning opportunity. From finding valuable takeaways in general education sessions to creating his own spaces for art educator collaboration, Dan offers practical strategies for turning less-than-perfect PD into meaningful professional growth.
Listen Now | Episode 261
Brice McCasland
Grit and resilience are often defined as persevering through challenges, but they take on a unique meaning in the visual arts. In this episode, the Creativity Department welcomes back artist and art educator Brice McCasland to explore how resilience is built through the creative process. From the vulnerability of sharing your work with others to the perseverance required to keep creating when inspiration fades, Brice reflects on the mindset fueling both his artistic practice and his teaching. Listen in and explore how to help students embrace creative risk-taking, develop confidence through vulnerability, and recognize that resilience isn’t just about overcoming challenges; it’s about continuing to create through them.
Listen Now | Episode 260
Frank Juárez
How can you connect with art educators across the country, bring new perspectives into your art room, and strengthen art education beyond your own classroom? In this episode, The Creativity Department talks with SchoolArts Editor-in-Chief Frank Juarez about the impact of being published. For decades, SchoolArts has shared articles and lessons written by art educators, for art educators. Frank discusses the natural fear that can come with sharing your ideas openly, what it takes to turn an idea into a published piece, and why sharing your experiences matters. Discover how your ideas can inspire other educators, influence art curricula, and make an impact far beyond your own art room.
Listen Now | Episode 259
Bob Sabol & Petronio Bendito
What makes a lesson truly last? The Creativity Department welcomes media arts educators Petronio Bendito and Bob Sabol for a conversation about designing learning experiences that go beyond checking off standards and instead spark lasting creative growth. They explore the deeper purpose behind the National Art Standards, the transformations they hope to ignite in students, and what it means to create a “forever lesson” in a rapidly changing digital world. From helping students think like creative problem-solvers to understanding how color, light, and visual communication shape meaning, this discussion examines the enduring concepts that matter most in media arts education.
Listen Now | Episode 258
Matt & Laura Grundler
Resilience isn’t built when everything goes right; it’s built when things don’t. In this episode, The Creativity Department explores how art education helps students and educators develop the confidence, adaptability, and perseverance needed to navigate challenges both inside and outside the classroom. From experimenting with unfamiliar materials to rethinking lessons that miss the mark, they share practical strategies for embracing creative risks, learning from setbacks, and growing through the unexpected. As the school year ends, join us for a timely conversation filled with ideas and inspiration to help you recharge this summer and return to the art room energized and inspired!
Listen Now | Episode 257
Michael Bell
Artist. Teacher. Both! Familiar with this duality? Maintaining your identity as an artist while simultaneously helping students develop theirs can be a challenge. In this episode, artist and educator Michael Bell joins The Creativity Department to explore ways of harmonizing the balancing act! Michael shares how his creative practice shapes his teaching, advocacy, and connection to the community. From blending artistic research into curriculum to navigating the transition from educator to artist, discover thoughtful insights and practical ideas for staying creatively engaged while teaching full-time. Tune in for an honest conversation about sustaining your artistic voice while inspiring the next generation of artists.
Listen Now | Episode 255
Julie Carmean
With the school year winding down, many art educators are searching for a meaningful project to end the year on a high note. Perfect timing, it just so happens that America’s 250th birthday is in July! Conveniently, there’s an opportunity for students across the country to submit their handmade artwork to the American Heroes Student Art Contest. In this episode, Julie Carmean of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) joins Matt and Laura to share how educators and students can get involved. Learn the thinking behind the contest’s handmade-only guidelines and discover how this is more than a simple nation-wide art show. It is a true humanities project connecting today’s youth with our country’s history!
Episode 254 | Listen Now
Daniel Bryant
What if the key to managing your art room isn’t reacting to the energy but setting it? Ramping up creative heat to spark your students’ artmaking or cooling the environment to let them focus. Especially toward the end of the year, when the “temperature” in the art room can feel out of control, teachers have the power to shift the climate. Matt and Laura invite art educator Daniel Bryant back to explore his “thermostat or thermometer” approach to teaching. Daniel shares how he adjusts the theoretical temperature in his classroom—and helps students recognize those shifts too—from high-energy creative brainstorming to calm, focused artmaking. Along the way, he offers practical strategies for becoming the thermostat in your own art room.
Listen Now | Episode 253
Matt & Laura Grundler (The Creativity Department)
What happens when foundational skills meet meaningful artistic exploration? Lessons go beyond isolated projects and start telling a bigger story. In this episode, The Creativity Department explores how a theme-based approach can bring the elements of art and principles of design to life through Big Ideas and thematic units. They share how this approach helps students connect technique, personal voice, and real-world context—leading to more authentic, engaging artwork. Along the way, they highlight practical strategies for scaffolding skills while encouraging inquiry, interpretation, and creative risk-taking. Discover how building lessons around Big Ideas (a.k.a. themes) can spark student engagement, strengthen connections, and support deeper creative thinking.
Listen Now | Episode 252
Dr. Elizabeth Stuart Whitehead
Advocacy isn’t just a buzzword in art education—it’s a tool that can transform an entire program. In this episode, Matt and Laura sit down with Dr. Elizabeth Stuart Whitehead, Visual Arts Supervisor for Prince George’s County, Maryland, to explore what effective advocacy really looks like in action. Dr. Stuart shares insights from her experience championing visual arts programs, along with practical strategies educators can use in their own schools. From building meaningful relationships with administrators and community partners to leading new initiatives and supporting fellow educators, you’ll discover a plethora of actionable ideas to help strengthen and grow your art program.
Listen Now | Episode 251
Andrew Dietz
Art can tell a story; there’s no doubt about that. But what happens when the artist becomes the story? In this episode, The Creativity Department sits down with author Andrew Dietz to discuss creativity from a variety of perspectives. Listen in to explore his new novel Ever U, where a visual artist takes center stage and the art world becomes the backdrop for a richly imagined narrative. Blending art, storytelling, and imagination, Andrew’s books redefine what it means to be a creator and ask readers to consider how imagination shapes the way we understand ourselves and the world. While disciplines like painting, drawing, and photography live in the art room, Andrew expands the conversation, revealing how writing can serve as a powerful extension of artistic expression and creative thinking.
Listen Now | Episode 250
Benjamin Hoffman
How can we turn students’ creativity and success in the art room into measurable data? Matt invites high school educator Ben Hoffman to talk about how data-driven techniques can transform the art room. Specifically, how it leads to strengthened curriculum design, improved student outcomes, and provides powerful advocacy for visual arts programs. Ben shares practical strategies for collecting and using meaningful data points to demonstrate student growth, justify program value to administrators and parents, as well as align creative goals with state or national standards.
Listen Now | Episode 249
David Modler & Sam Peck
From incredible architecture and amazing food to a seriously inspiring art scene, Chicago was an unforgettable backdrop for the NAEA 2026 Convention. And the convention itself? Packed with creative energy—think engaging sessions, hands-on workshops, and keynotes that really hit home for art educators. Still energized, Matt chats with Associate Professor of Art Education at Shepherd University, David Modler, and artist, teacher, and researcher Sam Peck to reflect on their experience. They share highlights from their session on communal visual journaling, what stood out from the educators they connected with, and the ideas they’re taking back into their own classrooms. As longtime attendees, the group also discusses why this conference continues to matter—offering connection, inspiration, and practical takeaways you can actually use. Give it a listen for a recap and a dose of fresh ideas for your own teaching practice.
Listen Now | Episode 248
Cheryl Maney & James Rees
It’s that time of year again, the NAEA convention is nearly here! What’s happening in Chicago this year? Matt and Laura chat with art educators and longtime NAEA members, Cheryl Maney and James Rees, about what makes the NAEA Convention a must-attend professional development experience for art educators. Cheryl and James share tips and tricks for successful conference attendance, information on the plethora of benefits attendees can find, as well as a preview of their upcoming visual journaling session. Explore how visual journaling supports creative growth and reflective practice, and collect practical tips for creating your own journals. From hands-on make-and-take workshops to innovative sessions led by leaders in art education, listen in for a taste of what NAEA offers this year!
Listen Now | Episode 247
Bobby Eppleman
Dive into the realities of managing classrooms that can be loud, messy, energetic, and highly social while maintaining purposeful learning environments. In this episode art educator Bobby Eppleman joins the creativity depart to explore building trust, engagement, and foundational skills in student-centered art rooms. Listen in as they unpack the philosophy of “giving students what they want before giving them what they need”. Discover how dialing in on student interests sparks deeper learning, helps guide them through resistance, and ultimately helps them unlock greater creative freedom and confidence.
Listen Now | Episode 256
Amy Appleton and Kendall Crabbe
What happens when a national Professional Learning Community (PLC) reshapes not just programs, but the people leading them? The Creativity Department sits down with former Connected Arts Networks (CAN) leaders Amy Appleton, now Director of Operations at Young Audiences for Learning, and Kendall Crabbe, National Content Manager for CAN at NAEA, to reflect on the transformative years with the PLC. Amy and Kendall share how CAN influenced K–12 art educators across the country, supporting teacher leadership, strengthening professional learning communities, and redefining collaboration in interdisciplinary arts education. Learn how their own thinking about art education, creative leadership, and sustainable teacher support evolved, and hear about what it truly takes to build meaningful professional communities that last beyond structured programs.
Listen Now | Episode 246
Sarah Ackermann and Gino Molfino
What does it mean to “Lead with Purpose” exactly? In this episode, the Creativity Department and NAEA’s Supervision & Administration Division leadership team aim to help educators navigate that question! Listen in as they reflect on the 2026 webinar series about purpose-driven leadership in art education. Sarah Ackermann and Gino Molfino share practical insights from their work across the complex art education ecosystem. From supporting teachers and students to working with district policymakers and school boards, they discuss the daily leadership practices that keep them grounded in purpose while driving change that nurtures art education advocacy and strengthens programs.
Listen Now | Episode 245
YES MAAM! (Justin Pierce, Lekia Thorpe, Kody Hall)
The conversation around creation over consumption is getting louder than ever. With constant access to phones and tablets, students are already creating digital art every day—through images, sound, and video. How can art educators channel that passion in the art room? In this episode, Matt and Laura talk with Yes Ma’am, a media arts collective of three high school art educators from Charlotte, North Carolina, to explore the growing role of media arts in today’s visual art curriculum. Together, they discuss how media arts connects to CTE pathways and state standards, and what they’re seeing when digital tools become part of the learning process. From increased student engagement and collaboration to greater creative risk-taking, the conversation highlights the power of linking instruction to students’ everyday media experiences, helping learners see themselves as artists in broader, more contemporary ways.
Listen Now | Episode 244
Leslie Gates
What if assessment in the art room became a tool for empowerment rather than a source of anxiety? In this episode The Creativity Department speaks with Dr. Leslie Gates, Professor in Art Education at Millersville University. Listen in as they explore how student-led assessment can transform how both students and educators view success in the art room. Dr. Gates shares her research informed approach to shifting assessment away from traditional grading and toward meaningful reflection, dialogue, and ownership of learning. She explains how inviting students to define their own markers of success increases engagement, encourages creative risk-taking, and fosters a stronger sense of agency in the art room. Discover practical strategies for reframing assessment as a process centered on artistic intent and growth rather than technical mastery alone.
Listen Now | Episode 243
Jeanne Bjork
Standing at the intersection of endings and new beginnings can feel daunting, but it can also be deeply inspiring! In this episode, the Creativity Department welcomes back returning guest and longtime art educator, Jeanne Bjork, to share insights into her upcoming retirement. Discover how embracing a new chapter can be as easy as staying creative, curious, and open to new opportunities that align with your passions. Listen in to this uplifting discussion about reclaiming time for artistic practice, experimenting with new mediums, and reframing retirement as a creative evolution instead of an ending. Jeanne offers encouragement and a practical perspective for educators at any crossroads!
Listen Now | Episode 242
Laura and Matt Grundler
What does it mean to move into a new year with intention—especially after a year that tested the resilience of art educators everywhere? To kick off 2026, we take a different approach to reflection. After a year filled with challenges, growth, and hard-earned perspective, a simple recap didn’t feel sufficient. For our New Year episode, Davis Publications Marketing Director, Toni Henneman, steps in as guest host to guide a thoughtful, forward-looking conversation. Listen in and reflect on goals that shaped the year, habits that sustained both creative and teaching practices, and moments that reaffirmed the pride in being art educators. This episode offers an honest and encouraging discussion about professional identity, creative resilience, and intentional goal setting for the year ahead. Tune in to celebrate the new year with reflection, inspiration, and a renewed sense of purpose with the Creativity Department!
Listen Now | Episode 241
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
Episodes 187–217
Season 5 covers applicable techniques and topics. From managing student success and balance (ep. 193), maintaining a creative practice as an art educator (ep. 198), the ever-present reality of AI (ep. 205), and just how powerful the act of play can be (ep. 216). Listen to experts, creatives, artists, and fellow educators share their stories.
Listen Now | Season 5
Episodes 156–186
In Season 4, we covered everything from mural making (ep. 156) and printmaking (ep. 161) to science in the art room (ep. 179) and ethical decision-making (183). Dive in and enjoy discussions with expert educators across the field and gather insight and ideas to apply to your own practice.
Listen Now | Season 4
Episodes 108–155
Enjoy episodes from Season 3 of K12ArtChat the podcast. Listen in on discussions with expert educators across the field. Hear about everything from Designing Hot Wheels (ep. 108) to how artificial intelligence is disrupting art education (ep. 129).
Listen Now | Season 3
Episodes 60–107
Check out Season 2 of K12ArtChat the podcast and listen in to conversations from experts across the field of education. Learn about everything from student curations (ep. 61) to Neurodivergent Thinking in the Art Room (ep. 94).
Listen Now | Season 2
Episodes 1–59
Dive into Season 1 of K12ArtChat the podcast and hear from experts across the field of education. Enjoy discussions on everything from AP & IB Art Topics (ep. 13) to Teaching Gender Inclusivity (ep. 37).
Listen Now | Season 1