Fresh off hosting the Art Ed NOW Conference, Tim and Amanda are here with the August mailbag! After a garden talk update, they answer listener questions about starting the school year strong, surviving the chaos of short class periods, finding the perfect gift for an art teacher, and learning hundreds of student names without losing your mind.

• • Podcast advice on Getting Hired as an Art Educator
  • Read the Dear First Year Art Teacher article
  • See the Art of Ed's FLEX Curriculum
  • Check out the Art of Ed Community for August events
  • AOE's Back to School resources
  • Learn more about the Art Ed NOW Conference
  • Shout out to Pesky Pete
  • Learn about Tim's favorite plant, Anise Hyssop

The 25th Art Ed Now Conference is happening this weekend, and Tim is joined by co-host Amanda Heyn to celebrate the milestone with a look back at some of their favorite moments from past conferences. From wild games and surprise guests to giant novelty cakes and unforgettable costumes, they share behind-the-scenes stories that reflect the joy, community, and creativity that Art Ed NOW is known for. They also discuss what’s coming up at this weekend’s event, including must-see presentations, exciting giveaways, and new ways to make art together. Whether you’re a longtime attendee or thinking about joining for the first time, this episode will get you excited for everything Art Ed NOW has to offer.

• • See the Art of Ed's FLEX Curriculum
  • Register for the Art Ed NOW Conference
  • Learn more about AOEU's Certificate Programs

Art educator Joel Scholten returns to the show for a fun, insightful conversation about longevity in teaching, embracing creativity, and making meaningful connections—in and out of the classroom. He gives a behind-the-scenes look at the hilarious promotional reels he created for the upcoming Art Ed NOW Conference,  and what participants can expect from his hands-on artmaking session that starts the Main event. The conversation also dives in to practical advice for traveling art teachers, innovative cleanup strategies, and why routines are foundational to building student relationships and classroom success.

• Watch Joel's Let Creativity Reign reel
• See the Art of Ed's FLEX Curriculum
• Learn more about the Art Ed NOW Conference
• Follow Joel on Instagram and TikTok

Get ready for one of the spiciest episodes of Art Ed Radio yet! Tim Bogatz is joined by Amanda Heyn for a long-awaited “Hot Takes” edition, where they share their boldest, most controversial opinions about all things art education. They also read hot takes from the AOEU community, share incredible voicemails from listeners and the AOE team, and rant (lovingly) about cliché student artwork, extra credit, perspective drawing, and why you're spending way too much time worrying about glaze.

• Join the discussion over on the Art of Ed Community
• See the Art of Ed's FLEX Curriculum
• Learn more about the Art Ed NOW Conference
• Overrated: Art History Edition
• Do you have a hot take? Leave us a message at 515-209-2595!

In this episode from the archives, Tim sits down with the incredible Momo Schafer, glass artist and fan-favorite from the hit Netflix series Blown Away. Momo shares insights into her creative journey, her experience on the show, and the importance of making glassblowing more accessible and appreciated by a broader audience. Listen as they discuss some behind-the-scenes stories from the show, some ideas for helping your students appreciate what happens in a hot shop, and where to learn more about blown glass.

• Momo's website can be found here
• Her Instagram is here
• Watch Blown Away on Netflix! 
• Check out AOE's Instagram
• Find The Art of Ed on YouTube

Tim and Amanda return with the July Mailbag to answer your most pressing art ed questions! They explore creative ways to use leftover clay, how to plan project timelines, and whether AI belongs as part of your curriculum. Plus, they dive into strategies for recharging your creative energy over the summer—and wrap up with a fun look at the perfect day in the life of an art teacher.

• Join the Art of Ed Community
• Clay 101
• Cassie Stephens' episode on the first days of school
• See the Art of Ed's FLEX Curriculum
• 5 Ways to Make Art on the First Day of School
• Dr. Dalton-Smith and the 7 Types of Rest

In today's episode, artist and educator Juana Meneses joins Tim to explore the art of bookmaking with found objects. Juana shares how she uses unconventional materials and found objects as powerful tools for storytelling and identity-building. Through her teaching and personal practice, she encourages students to engage deeply with their materials, embracing intuition, memory, and meaning in their creative work. The discussion also touches on AOEU's new Studio: Book Arts graduate course and Juana's upcoming Art Ed NOW presentation, two incredible opportunities to dive deeper into bookmaking!

• Take a look at the Studio: Book Arts graduate course
• Learn more about Juana and see her website
• You can also find her on Instagram
• Find out more about the Art Ed NOW Conference!
• Portable Editions artists' books

In this episode, Tim sits down with Sarah Colvin, an educator from Michigan who is transitioning from teaching special education to the art room after completing her Master’s Degree from The Art of Education University. Sarah shares her journey of discovering her passion for art education, her decision to pursue the degree, and how the program has prepared her for her new role. She also discusses the excitement and challenges of teaching nearly 500 students, her commitment to student choice and building strong relationships, and how her current skills will translate into the art room.

• Learn more about the AOEU Master's Degree
• Check out the Choice-Based Art course
• Also take a look at the Designing Your Art Curriculum course
• Dealing with Professional Change
• Sonya Castro's story of Moving Into the Art Room

In today's episode of Art Ed Radio, Tim welcomes Janet Taylor back to the show for a deep and honest conversation on one of the most complex aspects of teaching: grading and assessment. Together, they reflect on how grading practices have evolved in recent years, how student motivation has shifted, and what it means to uphold integrity in your classroom while still showing compassion. Janet shares insights from her ongoing capstone research, candid thoughts on grade equity, and a discussion on "no zero" policies. If you've ever questioned the why behind your assessment approach, or struggled to find the balance with your grading, this episode will be worth your time.

• Check out the Art of Education University Master's Degree
• Listen to previous episodes with Janet
• The Case Against Zeros
• Why Grades Shouldn't Exist by Alfie Kohn
• What Do New Teachers Need to Know About Assessment?

In the June Mailbag episode of Art Ed Radio, Tim and Amanda start with an end-of-year discussion, complete with field day stories and a trip to Tim's backyard wildlife sanctuary. They then dive into voicemails and emails on everything from managing unsolicited classroom "donations" to resisting AI tools, as well as teaching students to think critically and creatively. The episode also includes tips on summer art prompts, clever marker organization, and ways to reflect on the year in ways that help us moving forward. And the best part? There are so many listener questions, there is a Part 2 of the Mailbag! Head on over to the Art of Ed Community (link below) in order to watch or listen!

• Join the Art of Ed Community
• Watch or Listen to Part 2 of the Mailbag!
• Learn more about the Art Ed NOW Conference
• Summer Supply List and Art Challenge
• Making the Most of Break with an Art Challenge
• 100 Silly Drawing Prompts to Engage Your Students