In this February mailbag episode of Art Ed Radio, Tim Bogatz is joined by Amanda Heyn to answer listener questions and reflect on what's happening in art classrooms right now. From creative routines and community connections to heavier conversations about burnout and career uncertainty, this episode offers some real talk about the issues that so many art teachers are facing.

Tim and Amanda discuss what to teach during observations, how to navigate a challenging student teaching placement, and what to do when teaching feels harder than expected. They also talk honestly about shifting student motivation, the importance of struggle and experimentation in art class, and why art rooms are uniquely positioned to teach perseverance, curiosity, and creative risk-taking.

The episode wraps up with a positive look at what students are doing well today and highlights weekly wins from the Art of Ed Community—celebrating student artwork, creative lessons, and small moments of success that make the work worthwhile.

• • Join the Art of Ed Community
  • Learn more about the Art Ed NOW Conference!
  • How to make a croquemboche
  • Amanda's book recommendation: The Art Thief
  • See Amanda's PRO Pack on Preparing for Evaluations and Observations

In this episode, Jen Leban returns to the show to talk with Tim Bogatz about the upcoming Art Ed NOW Conference and what's new inside the Art of Education Community. Together, they share their excitement about creating connections, building meaningful relationships, and giving art teachers space to learn and recharge, all of which will happen this weekend at Art Ed NOW.

Jen previews several conference highlights, including the opportunities for connection, conversation, and community-building. They discuss why it's essential for art teachers to take care of themselves, prioritize well-being, and make time for their own creativity.

• • Join the Art of Ed Community
  • Learn more about the Art Ed NOW Conference!
  • Check out Austin Kleon's work before the keynote

In today's episode, Tim sits down with Joel Scholten, K–12 art educator, social media creator, and Art of Education FLEX Standards Manager, to talk about teaching elementary art, finding connection through social media, and rediscovering the joy in our creative practice.

Joel shares how Instagram and TikTok have helped him connect with other art teachers, refine his instructional scaffolding, and discover contemporary artists that boost student engagement. He also previews his Art Ed NOW Conference presentation, walks through a powerful negative space watercolor lesson, and drops a budget-saving classroom hack you won't want to miss. He also closes the show with some words of wisdom on how the joy of teaching and creating for yourself can make you a better, more energized educator.

• • Join the Art of Ed Community
  • Follow Joel on Instagram
  • Register for the Art Ed NOW Conference!
  • Check out AOE's FLEX Curriculum

Art Ed Radio has officially reached 500 episodes, and we're celebrating a decade of conversations, creativity, and community! In this special milestone episode, host Tim Bogatz is joined by longtime collaborator Amanda Heyn to reflect on the podcast's evolution, favorite moments, standout guests, and how art education—and the Art of Ed Community—has changed over the last 10 years.

From the early days of AOE Live to viral episode titles, from live podcast recordings to storytelling experiments and the ever-popular mailbag, this episode is a nostalgic look back—and an exciting look forward—at what makes Art Ed Radio special.

• • Join the Art of Ed Community
  • Check out An Art History Mystery
  • Listen to interviews with Sir Ken Robinson and CJ Hendry
  • Podcast Miniseries: The Art of SEL, Ask the Experts, What New Teachers Need to Know
  • Learn more about the Art Ed NOW Conference!

We ring in the new year with Tim Bogatz and Amanda Heyn as they open the January mailbag and answer questions from art teachers across the country. This month: classroom music (and whether you need it at all), how to advocate for high-quality art supplies with administrators, choosing the "right" grade level to teach, why January is so hard after break, and early finisher ideas for high school that aren't just busywork. They also talk about the Art Ed NOW Conference coming at the end of the month and other Art of Ed Community events that are coming soon!

Full episode transcript below.

• • Join the Art of Ed Community
  • Learn more about Art Ed NOW featured presenter Austin Kleon
  • And find out everything else you need to know about Art Ed NOW
  • 100 Sketchbook Prompts Your Students Will Love
  • Transform Your Art Room By Assigning 3 Projects at Once
  • Find the planning calendar and the other resources that Amanda talked about

In this episode, Tim sits down with Jessica Stuver, a K–8 art teacher, to discuss planning ahead for Youth Art Month and why early advocacy is crucial for art education. Jessica shares practical strategies for celebrating student creativity, promoting the value of art programs, and making Youth Art Month meaningful for schools and communities.

The conversation also explores the power of connection among art teachers, from conferences and professional learning communities (like the Art of Ed Community!) to everyday idea-sharing that helps educators stay inspired. As winter sets in, Jessica offers thoughtful advice on navigating the challenging months of the school year, preparing for the second semester, and prioritizing self-care while continuing to support students.

• • Join the Art of Ed Community
  • 15 Ways to Advocate for Your Program
  • Simple Ways to Celebrate Youth Art Month in Your School
  • 4 New Ideas to Celebrate Youth Art Month
  • Listen to the Art Ed Radio episode on Advocating for Art Ed
  • Learn more about the Art Ed NOW Conference!

In today's episode, Tim Bogatz sits down with art educator and mentor Janet Taylor for a thoughtful and candid conversation about the role of mentoring as art teachers. Together, they explore how mentoring relationships begin, what makes them meaningful, and why both new and experienced art teachers benefit from having a supportive professional network. They also discuss the qualities that make an effective mentor, and emphasize the importance of communication and support in the mentor-mentee relationship.

Be sure to explore the resources available to support both new teachers and mentors in their professional development!

• • Join the Art of Ed Community
  • The Importance of Mentoring
  • 6 Ways to Support New (and New-to-You) Art Teachers
  • How to Build the Art Teacher Network You Need
  • 7 Important Considerations When Mentoring New Teachers
  • What Do New Teachers Need to Know About Curriculum?

It's time for the December mailbag! This month is a lot when you're an art teacher, and Tim and Amanda have some advice for when you're exhausted, overextended, and still trying to make meaningful learning happen.

Listener questions cover everything from student slang (what does "delulu," "6–7," and "tough" even mean?) to always feeling behind on grading and displays, juggling multiple roles in the building, recovering from a nightmare sub, and working with a paraprofessional who spends class on their phone. Listen for some ideas and mindset shifts that you can use right now.

Along the way, you'll also hear quick updates on AOEU's Holiday Giveaway Extravaganza, Art Club and Pop-Up Studio events, and a new AOEU YouTube game show, Framed, plus a few fun personal stories to keep things light during a heavy month.

• • Join the Art of Ed Community
  • See the new Framed trailer on YouTube
  • Read the article about Cultivating Relationships with Paraprofessionals
  • Learn about the artist Cannupa Hanska Luger and see him on Art21
  • PRO Learning: Collaborating with Paraprofessionals
  • PRO Learning: Organizing Your Elementary Room for Success
  • PRO Learning: Elementary Art Hacks

In this episode from the archives, Kyle Wood returns to discuss with Tim how we can give back to the field of art education and pay it forward. The conversation highlights the importance of building a community of art teachers, being willing to share ideas and lessons, and embracing mentorship roles. They also highlight the value of advocating for art education and discuss ways in which art teachers can express gratitude to the art education community and take positive action to support and strengthen the field. And, if you want to stick around until the end, Kyle dives into This or That: Art History Edition.

• Take the 2025 State of Art Ed survey
• Join the Art of Ed Community
• Read Kyle Wood's articles, and listen to the Who Arted? podcast
• More Advocacy Resources from AOEU

In this episode of Art Ed Radio, Tim Bogatz is joined by Jen Leban from the AOE Community to share powerful, practical advice for new and early-career art teachers. With some live recordings from the Illinois Art Educators Association Conference, Tim gathers insights from a wide range of teachers who talk honestly about classroom management, burnout, routines, creativity, and what they wish they had known in their first years. Whether you're a brand-new teacher or supporting someone who is, this episode is packed with encouragement, real talk, and strategies you can use right away.

• • Join the Art of Ed Community
  • See all of AOEU's Resources for New Teachers
  • See AOEU's YouTube Series for New Teachers
  • Listen to the What Do New Teachers Need to Know? Miniseries