In this episode The Creativity Department is joined by Professor of Research at the University of Alaska Fairbanks – Laura Conner and her colleague Perrin Teal Sullivan to dive deep into the topic of how the Arts and Sciences intersect. How art and science educators can collaborate and create innovative projects for all students, how the elements of art reflect the scientific principles, and how art can be utilized to raise awareness about scientific research and environmental awareness. Listen in to hear more from Laura and Perrin!

In this episode The Creativity Department is joined by returning guest Jason Blair to close out another school year. Matt and Jason reflect on their school years as well as how they encourage their students to reflect on the work they’ve created throughout the year, “Three I’s” Jason follows, and purposeful meaning making. Listen in to hear more from Jason!

In this episode The Creativity Department is joined by Adobe Senior Marketing Manager Martha Niño! She shares her emotional journey from migrating to the US, learning English as a second language at a young age, having to prioritize work over school, the teachers who helped her along the way, and much more! Listen in to hear all of Martha’s inspiring story!

In this episode The Creativity Department speaks with art educators and artists James Rees, Frank Juárez, and Rama Hughes! As a follow up to their extremely popular NAEA conference presentation, Frank, James, and Rama join Matt and Laura to discuss ways of maintaining creative practice and the benefits it holds for art educators. Explore how nurturing studio practice strengthens teaching practice, helps educators relate to students’ experience, and helps re-ignite the creative spark that energizes us all. Listen in to hear more from James, Frank, and Rama!

In this episode The Creativity Department is joined by returning guest Frank Juárez, who was recently named the new Editor and Chief of SchoolArts magazine! He joins Matt & Laura to talk about the importance of writing and publishing in the world of art education. Listen in to discover how it benefits the work we do, how to overcome challenges like what to write about, and what’s to come from SchoolArts magazine!

In this continuation of NAEA’s Connected Arts Networks (CAN) episode about Professional Learning Community (PLC) Leadership, Oral Historian Dr. Mi'Jan Celie Tho-Biaz and The Creativity Department’s Matt Grundler talk to arts educators Emily Ban and Luana Palimetakis. Hear about creating positive learning environments for adults and why participating in a PLC can develop highly effective arts educators. Discover what PLC leadership looks like and strategies that can be utilized to build PLC’s. Listen in to hear more from Emily and Luana in this latest CAN episode! 

In this episode, Oral Historian Dr. Mi'Jan Celie Tho-Biaz and The Creativity Department’s Matt Grundler talk to arts educators from NAEA’s Connected Arts Networks (CAN) about Professional Learning Community (PLC) Leadership. Arts educators Joy Wright and Hilary Morefield Colman join the conversation to talk about what leadership looks like in a PLC, tools and strategies they utilize with their PLCs, as well as advice for other arts educators who want to build their own PLC’s. Listen in to hear more from Joy and Hilary in this latest CAN episode! 

In this episode The Creativity Department is joined by NAEA Supervision/Administration Division Director Trinity Villanueva and Director Elect Sarah Ackermann to talk about cultivating and supporting leadership in the art classroom! Discover what leadership looks like in art education and the many unique forms it takes. Explore ways art educators can develop their “leadership chops”, how administrators can support the growth of up-and-coming leaders, as well as what the needs of these leaders are. Listen in to hear more from Trinity and Sarah!

In this episode The Creativity Department is joined by returning guest and Davis Publications art historian, Karl Cole to talk about why it is important to consider the terminology used with students. From misrepresentation of cultures to using more inclusive terminology, Karl shares his experience working with terminology in art education.  Using appropriate terms across the Davis lessons, programs, and blogs is paramount to helping students understand artists and their work. Listen in to hear how you can do the same in your art room!

In this episode The Creativity Department is joined by New York Times bestselling children’s book author/illustrator Jarrett J. Krosoczka to talk about the role the art room and art teachers played in shaping his life and creative journey.  Hear about the many amazing children’s books Jarrett has created including the Jedi Academy series and the Lunch Lady series as well as the two young adult graphic memoirs – Hey, Kiddo and Sunshine – based on his life experiences. Listen in to hear all about Jarrett’s “ah-ha” moment and discover the power art has to build emotional intelligence, connection, and coping skills, right alongside creativity and problem-solving.