In this episode the Creativity Department speaks with Carlos Cruz and Tara Rousseau from the NAEA LGBTQ+ Interest Group. During the conversation they share readily available resources that explain LGBTQ+ issues to help you understand what students need to be successful. You’ll discover inspiration, ideas, and advice on ways to connect with students, learn, grow, and be comfortable with being uncomfortable.

In this episode, the Creativity Department talks with Dr. Ryan Shin and Dr. Kevin Hsieh, university art education professors and members of the National Art Education Association (NAEA) Asian Art and Culture Interest Group (AACIG). They share practical ideas for thoughtfully incorporating contemporary Asian artists, cultural perspectives, and authentic resources into the art curriculum. Whether you're looking to broaden representation in your lessons or introduce students to new artistic voices, this conversation offers helpful guidance, classroom-ready resources, and strategies for creating meaningful learning experiences through contemporary Asian art. 

The past year and a half has been tough on everyone, but art and creative expression have eased the anxiety we’re all facing. In this episode, Matt and Laura talk to guest Adam Saenz who specializes in creative writing to expand emotional intelligence and about how art can be used to address mental health.

During this episode, the Creativity Departments speaks with the research team behind the Who Is American Today project, Flavia Bastos and James Rees. Discover what Critical Digital Citizenship looks like, what role it plays in student’s lives, and how art education prepares students to examine their identity and become critical digital citizens.

Media Arts IS challenging, it requires educators to be open, learn new things and be ready to constantly pivot. In this episode the Creativity Department interviews Justin Pierce, a dynamic art educator who has had great success developing a Media Arts program that creatively engages students of all abilities - REMOTELY. Get an inside perspective on the challenges, pros and cons, and successes of developing and teaching a Media Arts program in unprecedented times.

The Creativity Department discusses learnings and dare we say advances achieved this year with Carl Hooker, educator and consultant. From student driven learning to thoughtful technology integration Carl’s insight is a driving force for change in the classroom. How can we ensure there is opportunity for interspace learning and keep the advantages discovered over this year? Enjoy this episode filled with ideas.

From brainstorming to critical thinking and problem solving, Collaborative Tape Art has countless benefits! In this episode the Creativity Department speaks with Leah Smith and Michael Townsend of the original Tape Art Crew. Listen in and learn about the importance of experimentation, thinking big, working together, and taking risks for students of all abilities across all grades.

The perceptions of digital art can be hard to overcome and hurdles such as lack of training, fear of technology, and fear of "failing" all make the idea of including digital techniques daunting. In this episode the Creativity Department speaks with Kasmira Mohanty, Digital Artist and Art Educator, about how to get past the perception of digital art and why it is important.

The Creativity Department speaks with Dan Ryder, an expert in project-based learning who infuses creativity into the work he does with students. Dan connects everything in his work and uses creative expression to deepen understanding. Listen in for a different perspective on the importance of creativity as Laura and Matt dig into how you can always find time for building experiences that go deeper and allow for expansion.

The arts offer equity in a different way than any other class, through creativity and the process of making. Allowing students to bring their authentic selves to the classroom, dig into their identity and culture, and discover who they are is essential. In this week’s episode The Creativity Department speaks with James Wells, Innovative Teaching and Learning Manager at Crayola, about the topic of equity and the importance diversity and inclusion have in creating it.