In this episode of TAB Storytellers , we are joined by Connie Stewart, Professor Emeritus from the University of Northern Colorado and a passionate advocate for student-centered, contemporary art education. Connie shares her journey with Teaching for Artistic Behavior (TAB), her commitment to individualized instruction, and her work with contemporary artists and big ideas in the classroom. She offers practical advice on questioning strategies, meaningful integration, and staying curious as both ...
Jun 25, 2025•53 min•Season 4Ep. 1
In the last episode of TAB Storytellers season 3, Abi and Jen decided to end with a candid, heartfelt conversation that celebrates their journey, the evolution of TAB (Teaching for Artistic Behavior), and the challenges and triumphs of teaching art in diverse environments. They reflect on their personal and professional growth, share updates about roles, research, and family life, and explore meaningful themes like student agency, teacher identity, and curriculum design. It's a rich and inspirin...
May 25, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 3Ep. 12
In this episode of TAB Storytellers, Jen and Abi are joined by Dyango Chavez-Cutiño, a school programs educator at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (ISGM) in Boston, Massachusetts. A TAB teacher by trade, Dyango recently joined the ISGM as a museum educator to help facilitate their school programs. The trio discusses TAB in classroom and museum learning environments, the framework of Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) and how it is used in art as well as other subjects, and the benefits of inte...
Apr 19, 2025•1 hr•Season 3Ep. 11
In this episode of TAB Storytellers, Abi and Jen sit down with Jessica Boritz, an atelierista and art teacher at Grace Episcopal Day School in Kensington, Maryland. During their conversation, Jessica shares her extensive knowledge of and experience with TAB and Reggio-Emilia, two very compatible approaches to contemporary art education. In addition, the triad also discusses curiosity and creativity in teaching and learning, children’s aesthetics, and the role of beauty in learning. For more info...
Mar 15, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Season 3Ep. 10
In this episode of TAB Storytellers, Abi and Jen sit down with Kristin Anson, an art teacher at an international school in Sri Lanka, where she teaches preschool through fifth grade within a PYP (Primary Years Programme) framework. During their conversation, Kristin shares what it’s like to bring TAB pedagogy into an international context and how her inquiry-based curriculum supports student choice and autonomy. In addition, the trio discusses the realities of unlearning traditional teacher-led ...
Feb 28, 2025•40 min•Season 3Ep. 9
In this episode of TAB Storytellers, Jen and Abi sit down with renowned artist and author Olivia Gude. Olivia is a Professor Emerita of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and the University of Illinois at Chicago, having developed numerous frameworks and programs at these institutions. Among the topics the triad discusses are the evolution of process-based art education, dialogical pedagogy, Olivia's work with Spiral Workshops, and the role of the educator in a TAB program. For more info...
Jan 25, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Season 3Ep. 8
In this episode of TAB Storytellers, join Abi and Jen as they interview high school art teacher and WAEA co-president Becky Broyles as she describes how she adapted the TAB (Teaching for Artistic Behavior) approach in an alternative school setting, structuring her classroom as a “design studio” divided into departments (fashion, photography, digital art, and more). Becky emphasizes student choice, self-paced learning, and peer-to-peer feedback, sharing how technology tools like Padlet, Google Cl...
Dec 29, 2024•59 min•Season 3Ep. 7
In this installment of TAB Storytellers, Jen and Abi sit down with Jorge Lucero, Professor of Art Education and the Associate Dean of Research at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Jorge shares the journey that brought him (in an unexpected way) to teaching and discusses his work at the university with preservice art teachers. Among the topics discussed are conceptual art, the intersection of creative practice and teaching, and the significance of permissions for students (and ourselv...
Dec 01, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 3Ep. 6
In this installment of TAB Storytellers, Abi and Jen sit down with Julie Toole, K-8 art teacher at Baker Demonstration School and faculty member of the renowned TAB Institute at MassArt. Julie, whose career spans a remarkable 34 years, shares her journey with us from special education to discipline-based art education to discovering TAB at an NAEA conference and beyond. Among the topics discussed are the power of learning in community, the critical DEIJB (diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, a...
Oct 19, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 3Ep. 5
In this episode of TAB Storytellers, Abi and Jen meet middle school art teacher and co-founder of the group Anti-Racist Art Teachers , Abby Birnahu. Throughout their time together, Abby shares her experience and compelling perspective as an Ethiopian and African-American woman, mother, and teacher living in our contemporary landscape. Among the topics discussed are anti-racism in education, representation and why it is essential in the classroom, and the importance of collaboration and community...
Sep 14, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 3Ep. 4
In this episode of TAB Storytellers, Jen and Abi sit down with Roni Rohr and Jessi Ruby, both PreK-8 visual art educators in New Mexico (Roni) and Colorado (Jessi). Roni and Jessi share what brought them to teaching, the development of their working partnership, and how their current pedagogical venture, [re]Design(ing) Art Education , came about. Among the topics discussed are design-thinking and STEAM, the importance of community and kindness, and why (when considering art education pedagogy) ...
Aug 28, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Season 3Ep. 3
In this episode of TAB Storytellers, Jen and Abi are joined by Dr. Tina Atkinson, the self appointed Research Translator, among many other titles including Art Teacher and NAEA Elementary Research Commissioner. Among the topics discussed are research in the classroom, suggestions for starting to do research in your own classroom, and how research can be used to advocate and validate what you are doing in your teaching practices. For more information about TAB, please visit the TAB website: www.t...
Jun 29, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 3Ep. 2
Join Jen and Abi as they chat with the co-founders of the Tet[R]ad Project, David Modler and Sam Peck for our Season 3 opener! David Modler is a Professor of Art, Coordinator of Art Education, and Department Chair at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, WV. Sam Peck is an art educator at Morton Middle School in Fall River, MA. In this TABcast, David and Sam share the origins of their visual journaling practices, their amazing tet[R]ad Project, how to transition from a product-based curriculum t...
May 18, 2024•1 hr 25 min•Season 3Ep. 1
In this episode of TAB Storytellers, Jen and Abi are joined by Abigail Harkey, the Visual Arts, Instruction and Curriculum Specialist for Denver Public Schools. Abigail flipped the tables in this episode and asked Jen and Abi questions. We discussed learning objectives, rigor and assessment, and teacher evaluations among other things. For more information about TAB, please visit the TAB website: www.teachingfor artisticbehavior.org . Also, you are invited to join us on Mighty Networks ( https://...
Apr 29, 2024•1 hr 30 min•Season 2Ep. 12
In this episode of TAB Storytellers, Jen and Abi are joined by Clyde Gaw and Clark Fralick, TAB art educators. Among the topics discussed are how Clyde and Clark found TAB, technology, advocacy, authentic making, and the Secret Art of Boys as well as several other topics. For more information about TAB, please visit the TAB website: www.teachingfor artisticbehavior.org . Also, you are invited to join us on Mighty Networks ( https://teaching-for-artistic-behavior.mn.com/ ), an online platform ded...
Mar 16, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 2Ep. 11
In this episode of TAB Storytellers, Jen and Abi are joined by Melissa Purtee, HS TAB teacher and Co-Director of the TAB Summer Institute. Among the topics discussed are transitioning from elementary to high school, writing about TAB, the TAB Summer Institute (coming July 22-27, 2024), and some advice for thinking about moving more into choice For more information about TAB, please visit the TAB website: www.teachingfor artisticbehavior.org . Also, you are invited to join us on Mighty Networks (...
Feb 20, 2024•29 min•Season 2Ep. 10
In this episode of TAB Storytellers, Jen and Abi are joined by the NAEA Choice Art Interest Group Co-Presidents Mandy DeWitt, Julie Jacobusse, Michelle Puhl-Price, and Damien “Coach” Phillips. Among the topics discussed are some of the nuances between Choice and TAB, finding the balance on the choice continuum that works for you, and how to get involved with the Choice Art Interest Group. For more information about TAB, please visit the TAB website: www.teachingfor artisticbehavior.org . Also, y...
Jan 21, 2024•51 min•Season 2Ep. 9
In this episode of TAB Storytellers, Jen and Abi are joined by Rebecca Stone-Danahy, AP Art and Design Director and Assessment Specialist with the College Board. Among the topics discussed are Rebecca’s TAB journey, the parallels between TAB and AP Art and Design, shifting pedagogies, and the importance of building relationships with students, among other things. For more information about TAB, please visit the TAB website: www.teachingfor artisticbehavior.org . Also, you are invited to join us ...
Dec 16, 2023•48 min•Season 2Ep. 8
In this episode of TAB Storytellers, Jen and Abi are joined by Seymour Simmon, III, Professor of Fine Arts Emeritus, Winthrop College. Among the topics discussed include history of art education and drawing, Arts PROPEL, and much more. For more information about TAB, please visit the TAB website: www.teachingfor artisticbehavior.org . Also, you are invited to join us on Mighty Networks ( https://teaching-for-artistic-behavior.mn.com/ ), an online platform dedicated to everything TAB! For more in...
Nov 18, 2023•1 hr 12 min•Season 2Ep. 7
In this episode of TAB Storytellers, Jen and Abi are joined by Jennifer Ryan Smith, K-8 art teacher and outdoor education coordinator at the University of Wyoming Lab School. Among the topics discussed are integration in art, project based learning, and advocating for your program. For more information about TAB, please visit the TAB website: www.teachingfor artisticbehavior.org . Also, you are invited to join us on Mighty Networks ( https://teaching-for-artistic-behavior.mn.com/ ), an online pl...
Oct 29, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Season 2Ep. 6
In this episode of TAB Storytellers, Jen and Abi are joined by the dynamic father-daughter duo George and Ilona Szekely, Ilona is a full professor at Eastern Kentucky University and George is Emeritus at Kentucky University. Among the topics discussed are George’s history with TAB, the collecting of collections, and the importance of play and agency. For more information about TAB, please visit the TAB website: www.teachingfor artisticbehavior.org . Also, you are invited to join us on Mighty Net...
Sep 16, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 2Ep. 5
In this episode of TAB Storytellers, Jen and Abi are joined by Leah Maltbie, Assistant Director of Fine Arts for the Anchorage School District. Among the topics discussed are challenges facing art educators as they work to implement more choice or bring the TAB approach to their contexts, art shows, communicating with administrators, and so much more. For more information about TAB, please visit the TAB website: www.teachingfor artisticbehavior.org . Also, you are invited to join us on Mighty Ne...
Aug 12, 2023•48 min•Season 2Ep. 4
This special bonus TABcast features a variety of art educators from across the country sharing their takeaways, stand-out moments, and other thoughts from the 2023 TAB Institute. The Institute is a professional development opportunity that features cohort-based collaborative learning, instructional workshops, community building, and open studio time. It is held annually in July at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design in Boston. For more information about the Institute, check out https://m...
Jul 22, 2023•39 min
In this episode of TAB Storytellers, Jen and Abi are joined by Mario Rossero, Executive Director of the National Art Education Association (NAEA). Among the topics discussed are Mario’s journey from classroom art educator to his current position with NAEA, the power of naming things, advocacy, and ways TAB educators can connect with NAEA. For more information about TAB, please visit the TAB website: www.teachingfor artisticbehavior.org . Also, you are invited to join us on Mighty Networks ( http...
Jul 15, 2023•55 min•Season 2Ep. 3
In this episode of TAB Storytellers, Jen and Abi are joined by Lois Hetland and Ellen Winner, two prominent researchers and contributors to the fields of psychology and art education. Among the topics discussed are their work on Project Zero at Harvard University, the Studio Thinking Framework, its impact on teachers*, and the exciting possibilities for the future of art education. For more information about TAB, please visit the TAB website: www.teachingfor artisticbehavior.org . Also, you are ...
Jun 19, 2023•55 min
Welcome to TAB Storytellers' second season! Join Jen and Abi as they visit with Parker Wolverton, an elementary art teacher wrapping up his third year teaching at Indian Paintbrush Elementary School in Laramie, Wyoming, as they discuss what it is like to be an art teacher finding TAB and recently starting to move into student centered teaching practices. Jen and Abi answer some of Parker's questions, troubleshoot concerns, and share the excitement of Parker's enthusiasm for TAB. For more informa...
May 20, 2023•1 hr 18 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Welcome to TAB Storytellers' 12th episode and season finale! Join Jen and Abi as they chat with Julie Bates, Lori Wallace, and Stacy Bzdok, visual art teachers and members of the regional group Texas TAB . Together, they discuss child aesthetics versus adult aesthetics, advocacy for our art programs, students as teachers, and takeaways from the 2023 NAEA National Convention in San Antonio. For more information about TAB, please visit the TAB website: www.teachingforartisticbehavior.org . Also, y...
Apr 30, 2023•58 min
Welcome to TAB Storytellers' 11th episode! Join Jen and Abi as they chat with D. J. Osmack, a visual art teacher at North High School in Denver, Colorado and the Past-President of the Colorado Art Education Association. Together, they discuss the impact of play and experimentation on our artistic processes, the role of the teacher in the art room and the curriculum, and the impactful practice of visual journaling. For more information about TAB, please visit the TAB website: www.teachingforartis...
Mar 24, 2023•55 min•Season 1Ep. 11
Welcome to TAB Storytellers' 10th episode! Join Jen and Abi as they interview Beth Balliro, a professor and the chair of the art education department at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. Together, they explore the perception of the TAB approach among art educators, the purpose and structure of preservice teacher education programs, and how TAB can combat the "crisis of small-mindedness" that our students currently face as they practice the "having of ideas". For more information about...
Feb 14, 2023•48 min
Joining Abi and Jen from Quebec, Canada are Pedro Mendonça and Catherine Dupras, the podcast's first international guests! In this episode: Catherine (a primary school art teacher) shares her unique experience with TAB in a private, all-boys French immersion school Pedro (a university professor) discusses the challenges that researchers and higher education face as they seek to both establish and expand on scholarly research related to TAB pedagogy and practice Both talk about the importance of ...
Jan 28, 2023•51 min
