In previous weeks Nic has been discussing healing, community, and connections. This week, she continues that conversation with two equity specialists from her school district, Yuko Larson and Troy Johnson. Listen as they discuss the importance of their role, how art can start a dialogue, and how communities can come together.

• How to Help Students Reflect, Process, and Enact Change
• Inclusivity for All Learners in the Art Room
• A Perspective from Minnesota
• Follow Yuko on Twitter
• Follow Troy on Instagram

Author and artist Peter Reynolds--along with his twin brother Paul--join Nic today for a very special episode of Everyday Art Room. Listen to their wide-ranging conversation about creativity, opening a bookstore, the beginnings of International Dot Day, and so much more!

• View Peter Reynolds' Website
• FableVision Studios
• The Blue Bunny Bookstore
• Make Your Mark: A Coloring Book-ish
• Register for AOEU's NOW Conference

Nic has been talking in previous weeks about how we can help our communities heal, and today, she shares her experience connecting with other art teachers and painting a mural in downtown Minneapolis. Amy Cunningham, the leader of the mural team, joins Nic to talk about her inspiration, the process of creation, and how art can help us heal.

• The Perfect Project for Art and Activism
• How to Help Students Reflect, Process, and Enact Change
• Inclusivity for All Learners in the Art Room
• A Perspective from Minnesota

Father's Day is coming on Sunday, and in today's episode, Nic takes the opportunity to celebrate dads and how they can help raise creative children. Nic's husband Tim comes on the show to share stories, strategies, and an appreciation for creativity.

• Rekindling Your Creativity
• 5 Things You May Not Know About Creativity
• How to Foster Kinder Creativity
• Teaching 21st Century Skills: Creativity

Four months ago, Nic spent an episode sharing everything amazing about the state of Minnesota in preparation for the NAEA National Conference. But after the cancellation of the conference due to COVID-19 and now the police killing of George Floyd, the perspective has shifted. In today's episode, Nic talks about her view from Minnesota right now, the lessons she is trying to learn, and the work we all need to do moving forward.

• Jessi Raulet on Instagram
• Ashley McKee's U Matter
• LauraLee Chambers on Instagram
• Life and Privilege in a $100 Race
• Trevor Noah's Facebook Page
• Illustrations for Hire

Today, Joel Scholten is on the podcast to talk to Nic about how he uses art to help kids learn to love reading. Listen as they discuss Joel's journey to teaching literacy, the beauty of storytelling, and how he tries to connect with literature at a higher level. 

• View all of AOEU's resources to help with distance learning
• Follow Joel on Instagram
• Joel's 'Creative Curriculum' blog

Everyone is questioning what our schools will look like this summer, this fall, and even further into the future. How do we reopen in a way that is safe for both students and teachers? In today's episode, Nic talks to Vicki Wilson about how she reopened her socially distant art room in Hanoi, Vietnam.

• View all of AOEU's resources to help with distance learning
• Follow Vicki on Twitter and Instagram
• Check out Seesaw, Clips, and Movavi

Within this new normal, it can be difficult to keep yourself in a growth mindset or in a positive mindset. In today's episode, Nic shares some strategies on how she shifts her mindset, why we need to continue to challenge ourselves, and how we can deal with the difficulties that come our way.

• View all of AOEU's resources to help with distance learning
• The Effect of Language on a Growth Mindset
• How A Growth Mindset Can Affect Your Teaching Career
• The Lies I Tell Myself as a Teacher

We all have the power to create, and with our creations, we all have the power to share our stories. In today's episode, Yaz Gate joins Nic to share her own story, including her experience teaching refugees, tapping into your joy, and helping foster creativity in your students.

• View all of AOEU's resources to help with distance learning
• See Yaz's Youtube Channel
• Follow Yaz on Instagram
• Visit Yaz's website here

There is no one right way to organize yourself right now, or your space, or your classroom. Today, however, Nic hopes to give you some insight into the environment in her classroom, on her digital platforms, and her everyday working environment in the hope that you might find something that works for you. 

• View all of AOEU's resources to help with distance learning
• The Catalyst Approach (Episode 133)
• The Jellycomb Wireless Keyboard and Mouse
• Color Family Posters
• Sit Spots