In this episode art educators Candido Crespo, and Joe Boatfield join The Creativity Department for a discussion about their most-loved items to use in the art room and to engage students. Get the inside scoop on their most recommended classroom tested art materials, equipment, art lessons, inspirational artists, technology and more. There’s bound to be something new to take away as you dive into this conversation covering what works best and why.
Feb 16, 2023•51 min
In this episode, returning guest Jason Blair joins the Creativity Department to talk about the disconnect teachers and students can have in the art room. Dive into the space between teaching and learning to see how we can bridge that gap by encouraging creative thinking, empathy, instilling a sense of creative confidence, and building community! Listen in for Episode resources and more.
Feb 09, 2023•43 min
In this episode, Art Educator Ruth Byrne talks to the Creativity Department about using manipulatives in the art room! Ruth uses the Froebel method of teaching, which nurtures activity and inquiry instead of teacher-led instruction. She shares her experiences with manipulatives in her classroom, how they help her students learn, and how you can implement them in your own art room! Listen in for resources and more.
Feb 02, 2023•38 min
In this episode, returning guest James Rees and Jane Dalton, both artists and educators, join the Creativity Department to discuss how you can infuse mindfulness into your creative practices and your art room! Learn how exercises that only take two minutes can help you and students regenerate and refocus on tasks at hand. Listen all the way to the end to participate in sample exercise and discover how quick refocusing can take.
Jan 26, 2023•41 min
In this episode The Creativity Department is joined by Misty Kluesner, a Creativity & Design Learning Experience Designer and currently working at a TK-8 design thinking school. Misty deals with technology and creativity every day - she shares resources, stories, and advice on how to incorporate technology seamlessly into your art room!
Jan 19, 2023•37 min
Introducing a new series focusing on Art History with Davis’s very own Image Curator and Art Historian – Karl Cole! In this episode, The Creativity Department and Karl discuss his unique career as Curator and Art Historian for Davis. Hear about what led him to art education and gather information you can use to introduce this interesting career to students.
Jan 12, 2023•36 min
The Design Lead for Hot Wheels and Matchbox diecast – Bryan Benedict joins the Creativity department in this episode! He talks about his work at Hot Wheels and Mattel, as well as the process of designing toy cars, the interesting people he gets to work with, and what steps students would have to take to get started in a design career. Listen in to hear more!
Jan 05, 2023•37 min
In this episode, Art Educator, Bill Rembert joins the Creativity Department for a conversation about the Black male perspective in Art Education. Particularly the lack of Black male representation (and male overall) in the field. Listen in as he shares his personal experiences, his feelings on the lack of male mentorship within schools, and ways of advocating for programs that would fill those gaps.
Dec 22, 2022•45 min
In this episode The Creativity Department is joined by artist Daryl Thompson. Daryl combines his love of drawing and cars to make highly detailed artwork as an automotive illustrator and is collaborating with the Toyota Dream Car USA Contest to help bring children’s imagination to life! Listen in for ways to inspire students that are passionate about technology and design. Discover a plethora of resources to dive into and share with students.
Dec 15, 2022•58 min
In this episode The Creativity Department and co-host Mi'Jan Celie Tho-Biaz continue the Professional Learning Community (PLC) discussion with two new Connected Arts Networks (CAN)guests. They are joined by Amber Arnold and Tina Barone to discuss the challenges of building a PLC and how having a supportive community can change the course of your teaching practice. Get inspired to join a PLC or even start your own with the stories and resources shared in this episode!
Dec 08, 2022•37 min
Announcing a new 8-part series brought to you in partnership with the NAEA Connected Arts Networks (CAN)! In this series, The Creativity Department will be joined by co-host Dr. Mi'Jan Celie Tho-Biaz. Together they will dive deeply into topics such as ED&I, SEL, and Leadership with CAN teachers and leaders! Enjoy this first conversation with Kim Hoj, Dance and Career Technical Education Teacher, and Jared Cassedy, Performing Arts Coordinator and Conductor of the Lexington High School Wind En...
Dec 01, 2022•40 min
Rebecca Hare, co-author of The Space: A Guide for Educators and Adobe’s Education Community Manager, joins The Creativity Department in this episode to talk about taking creative risks in teaching, building creative capacity in students, and making space for creativity in the art room. Listen in as Rebecca, Laura and Matt share their personal stories about risk taking and learn how making a plan for creativity can empower students and inspire educators.
Nov 17, 2022•43 min
Elementary educator Carole Drummond-Johnson joins The Creativity Department and asks us to consider “if we are truly about the business of teaching 21-century skills, shouldn’t art & design be integrated with science, technology, engineering and math?” It’s every educators’ goal to reach all learners. Integrating STEM themes into your lessons could be the key to immersing all students in art! Listen in to learn more.
Nov 10, 2022•33 min
The Creativity Department continues their 100th Episode celebration with author and educator, Tim Needles. Tim was the very first podcast guest and is a consistent contributor in the #K12ArtChat Twitter chat. Who better to discuss all that has changed in Art Education over the past 8 years? Listen in as they discuss everything from technology integration in the art room to social emotional learning and the difficulties of hybrid learning.
Nov 03, 2022•42 min
It’s the 100th Episode! We couldn’t have done it without your support and our lovely guests! Join Matt and Laura as they commemorate #K12ArtChat the Podcast’s 100th episode and 8-year podcasting anniversary. Listen in and share the celebration as they reflect on the guests and topics they’ve had over the past 2 years, as well as their favorite happy teacher moments. Here’s to another 100 episodes!
Oct 27, 2022•40 min
In this episode the Creativity Crew – Raine Valentine, Joe Boatfield, and Candido Crespo - talk about how they keep their students on their toes and engaged in fun and exciting ways! Listen in to hear each person’s unique approach to bringing fun into their art rooms. Discover techniques for being silly, authentic, and spontaneous while staying on course with the curriculum and not losing control of your students.
Oct 20, 2022•40 min
In this episode, Dan Ryder joins The Creativity Department to talk about project-based learning. Dan is a Learning Facilitator at Overman Academy and author of Intention: Critical Creativity in the Classroom . Listen in to learn about using project-based learning to help students make connections, transform knowledge, and explain their creative choices. When students embrace process, experimentation and even failure their learning becomes sticky, meaningful, and authentic.
Oct 13, 2022•1 hr 3 min
In this episode, The Creativity Department is joined by Dr. Jaime Dombrowski! Author of Power Up: Gamification Tools for Social and Emotional Learning , she talks with Matt & Laura about how art can transcend language and be used to promote inclusivity and emotional wellbeing. Listen in for expert experience on how students can use art to promote empathy, communicate who they are and what they value, build decision making skills by working in teams, and foster meaningful relationships....
Oct 06, 2022•50 min
In this episode, The Creativity Department is joined by long time music teacher, Jonathan Seligman! Dive into the similarities between Art and Music curriculum, the challenges both face with advocacy, and creative ways the two can support one another to promote the importance arts hold in educating today’s students. Listen in and be inspired with ways to showcase both art and music without one overpowering the other.
Sep 29, 2022•49 min
In this episode, Matt and Laura are joined by Dr. Cyndi Burnett, Director of Possibilities at Creativity and Education, to discuss what a deliberate approach to creativity looks like and how that scientific perspective parallels the artist process of creativity. Listen in as they explore everything from the relationship between creativity and the arts, to modeling creative behaviors to students and how creative thinking in the arts transfers to other disciplines.
Sep 22, 2022•51 min
In This episode, The Creativity Department discusses neurodivergent thinking. This is when the brain processes, learns, and/or behaves differently from what is considered "typical." Being neurodivergent themselves, Matt and Laura share their personal experiences. Listen in as they talk about the different ways they learn, the difficulties they overcame while in school, strategies they use to help their own children, and how all of this is reflected in their teaching.
Sep 15, 2022•40 min
In This episode, the Creativity Department is joined by the Program Director of the Success Academy, Dr. Janice Wyatt Ross. During the discussion they dive into strategies for building environments that welcome students, provide a positive impact on their engagement and equity, and foster pride and ownership. Listen in for ideas on strengthening the climate and culture in your own school to ensure it is both welcoming and nurturing
Sep 08, 2022•48 min
The Creativity Crew is back! Candido Crespo, Raine Valentine, and Joe Boatfield join Matt and Laura to discuss the stresses and challenges that come with a new school year. Listen in for tips on how to structure your classroom, storage, and materials. Discover new ways to manage students’ experience during class and engage them with what they’re learning.
Sep 01, 2022•46 min
Matt and Laura are joined by returning guest Connie Jimenez Zammett! As a high school art educator, Connie teaches students at a pivotal time in their life when they’re not just learning inside of the art room, but also life skills outside of it. This episode’s discussion revolves around that – how can important art skills like big ideas and inquiries translate outside the art room? Listen in to hear Connie’s strategies and experiences.
Aug 25, 2022•56 min
In this episode, Matt and Laura are joined by Matt Dombrowski – the Creative Director of Limbitless Solutions and a professor at the School of Art and Design at the University of Central Florida. They talk about the impact of visual storytelling in the art room and how to implement different strategies. Along with a background in Media Arts, Matt is the creative director for Limbitless solutions – an organization that provides bionic limbs for children in need. Listen in to hear Matt’s story!...
Aug 18, 2022•51 min
CAEA’s 2020 Elementary Art Teacher of the year and NAEA’s 2021 Pacific Region Elementary Art Teacher of the Year, Alyssa Navapanich joins the Creativity Department this episode! Hear their tips and tricks for a successful start of the school year as well as the difficulties they’ve faced in the past few years with online and hybrid learning. Listen in to find out if you can utilize these strategies!
Aug 11, 2022•49 min
Enjoy this discussion with award-winning multidisciplinary artist and game designer Momo Pixel. From the popular interactive annual exhibition called Momoland, to the viral sensation that is Hair Nah, this engaging session dives into Momo’s pixel filled world. Discover the career path she followed to get to where she is today and come away with inspiring ideas and information to share with students.
Aug 04, 2022•55 min
The Creativity Department is joined by two members of the Alabama Art Education Association – Social Media Chair Shelbye Reese and President of AAEA Mary Jane Coker! In this episode, they share their experience of looking for and where they’ve found support for arts within their district. They’ve tapped into so many corners including teachers of other subjects like math and history, school administration, PLNs, and even their own students!
Jul 21, 2022•58 min
In this episode, the Creativity Department discusses the challenges of having a career as an art educator and personal life as an artist. Joined by the newly formed Creativity Crew –Candido Crespo, Raine Valentine, and Joe Boatfield – who will regularly join Matt and Laura to talk about hot topics (like this one), they dive into everything from managing a social media presence and displaying personal art in the classroom to carving out time for creativity. Listen in to the Creativity Crew share ...
Jul 14, 2022•53 min
In this episode, The Creativity Department is joined by returning guest James Rees! This year, James retired from the art room. During the conversation, he shares stories from the field including how his career has changed over the 30 years he taught. Listen in to hear how he developed a plan for staying connected and continued growth in retirement. Get some inspiration to use when planning your own next steps.
Jun 30, 2022•45 min