Everyday Art Room

When it comes to cooperating teachers and student teachers, there is a lot to learn--from both ends of the spectrum. Cassie is here today with advice and her top tips for all involved. Listen as she discusses what we can learn from our student teachers, why we need to give them space (literally and figuratively), and what you need to do to help your student teacher find their voice.

• What do Student Teachers Really Need?
• 8 Tips for Student Teachers
• 4 Ways to Become an Art Teacher Leader
• Considerations for Mentoring New Teachers

Sculpture is the medium most commonly ignored by elementary art teachers. But your kids deserve to create in three dimensions, and Cassie has some ideas on how to bring some sculptural lessons into your classroom! Listen as she discusses her favorite materials and where to find them, her favorite projects to teach, and why your students love to sculpt.

• 7 Contemporary Sculptors Your Students Should Know
• From Trash to Treasures
• The Ultimate Guide to Polymer Clay
• Incorporating 3-D Design at Any Grade Level

We all know that it's easier to go to school sick than it is to write sub plans. And who knows what kind of a sub will even be in your room? Today, Cassie tackles the topic of substitutes and how to prepare for them. Listen as she discusses the two types of sub plans, why you need your specials team on speed dial, and everything you need to put inside your sub tub.

• 4 Things to Set Your Subs Up for Success
• 8 Sub Stories You Won't Believe
• What REALLY Happened While You Were Absent
• Using Snapchat for Your Sub Plans

Could the most dangerous store for an art teacher to visit actually be the bookstore? For Cassie, it is, and in this episode, she talks about some of her favorite children's books. Listen as she discusses her favorite children's books, her favorite authors, and how she uses books in her classroom.

• 10 New Books You Need in Your Library
• 5 Ways to Bring Literacy into Your Classroom
• 70 Children's Books About Famous Artists
• 15 Books, 15 Art Lessons

When opportunities come your way--whether that be presenting, bringing art to your community, sharing lessons, or anything else--should you put yourself out there? Cassie says yes. Listen as she discusses her own story on how and why she started sharing ideas from her art room, how to promote your unique voice, and how presenting can actually improve your teaching.

• Everything You Want to Know About the National Conference
• 8 Reasons to Attend an Art Ed Conference
• How to Start Selling Your Work
• Finding Your Place in the Teaching World

A lot of days throughout the year, we're just feeling 'okay'. Not great, not amazing, and definitely not comparing well to all of the art teachers you see on social media. But it's okay to be just okay. Listen to Cassie's advice on working through those days, the ways in which you can stay positive, and how you can still provide a positive experience for your kids.

• The Art Teaching Secret No One Wants to Talk About
• It Won't Always Be Perfect
• Staying Passionate About Your Teaching
• Finding the Confidence to Be Yourself

Art shows are absolutely the most stressful time of the year for art teachers. How can we simplify, and how can we make the art show as effective as it can be? Cassie has some ideas, and she's going to share her top 10 tips in this episode for your art show. Listen as she discusses what has changed in her 15 years of art shows, how to know how much you can handle with your show, and a few interactive ideas that can be implemented with simplicity.

• Survive Your Art Show with 5 Organizational Tips
• Planning the Perfect Art Show (Episode 030)
• How to Let Your Students Lead an Art Show
• Color and Light Survey

For everything you say yes to, you have to say no to something else. What are you willing to give up, and is it worth your students' instructional time? In this episode, Cassie talks about her decision making when it comes to all the extras, including her thoughts on art contests, fundraisers, and what she chooses to do instead in her classroom.

• Why Saying No More Often Can Make You a Better Teacher
• My Art Room is Not a Hallmark Store
• Planning the Perfect Art Show
• How to Say No to All Those Stupid Requests

Every teacher faces feelings of burnout in their teaching career. Why don't we talk about it more? In this episode, Cassie talks about the issues every teacher faces, and how to approach those issues. Listen as she discusses saying no to anything that doesn't benefit your students, the many reasons you might be experiencing burnout, and what you can do about that feeling moving forward.

• Episode 009--How to Move on From Burnout
• Curbing Art Teacher Burnout (PRO Learning Pack)
• 3 Simple Ways to Fight Burnout
• Why It's Okay to Feel Teacher Burnout

How did you become an art teacher? What (or who) was your inspiration? In this episode, Cassie shares her own story and encourages other teachers to do the same. Listen as she discusses her own history as an artist, her experience in college, and her first job as a teacher.

• 10 Things I Wish I Had Known My First Year of Teaching
• Six Pieces of Advice NOT to Follow Your First Year
• The Art Teacher's Ultimate Guide to Getting Hired
• 5 Things to Do in Your New Position