Our Leadership in Threads podcast invites you to join us in reflective conversations with art educators and creative leaders who are shaping the future of the field. In this episode, we sit down with Gino Molfino, the National Art Education Association Supervision and Administration Division Director Elect, to reflect on leadership as something that begins long before a title appears. Gino shares how early access to rich arts experiences, strong teacher mentors, museum programs, and a willingness to keep saying yes helped shape his path from student, to classroom educator, to district arts leader, to national service. He talks about the values that guide his work, including equity, access, collaboration, creative problem solving, and a deep commitment to honoring the human capital of teachers, students, families, and communities.

Throughout the conversation, Gino reflects on the slow, strategic work of leadership, comparing it to steering a cruise ship rather than driving a speedboat. He discusses the importance of sketchbooks and visual thinking as tools for listening, processing, and responding to complex challenges, and he considers how sustainable systems, thoughtful collaboration, and clear through-lines can help arts programs continue to serve students over time. With humor, care, and honesty, Gino reminds us that leadership in art education is not about having every answer, but about asking better questions, bringing the right people together, and keeping students at the center of the work.

Hosted by Dr. Abi Paytoe Gbayee and Dr. Yichien Cooper, this podcast is part of our collaborative research project Leadership in Threads: A Fiber and AI-Enhanced Exploration. Through intimate dialogue, the series stitches together stories of leadership journeys, personal values, and creative processes from elected art education leaders across NAEA.Resources Mentioned:National Art Education Association (NAEA):
https://www.arteducators.org/

NAEA Divisions and Regions, including Supervision and Administration Division:
https://www.arteducators.org/community/divisions-and-regions/

NAEA Supervision & Administration 2026 Spring Forum Webinar Series:
https://www.arteducators.org/event/naea-supervision-administration-2026-webinar-series/2026-05-06/

Maryland Art Education Association (MAEA):
https://www.marylandarted.org/

Howard County Public School System:
https://www.hcpss.org/

Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA):
https://www.mica.edu/

National Gallery of Art:
https://www.nga.gov/

Baltimore Museum of Art:
https://artbma.org/

Jorge Lucero:
https://www.jorgelucero.com/

Jorge Lucero, Conceptual Art & Teaching:
https://www.jorgelucero.com/conceptual-art-and-teaching

Jorge Lucero, Teacher as Conceptual Artist:
https://www.jorgelucero.com/weg

A special thanks goes out to Emilie Cooper for the episode art design and Ben Cooper for the intro and outro music. Your contributions have elevated this work immensely.

Our Leadership in Threads: Conversations in Art Education podcast invites you to join us in reflective conversations with art educators and creative leaders who are shaping the future of the field. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jane Montero, the National Art Education Association (NAEA) Middle Level Division Director Elect,  to reflect on the unexpected moment that shifted her career from advertising art director to art educator and eventually into leadership at the state, national, and international levels. Jane shares how programs like the NAEA School for Art Leaders (SAL) helped shape her leadership path and discusses the values that guide her work, including honesty, authenticity, empathy, and the courage to keep showing up even after setbacks.

Throughout the conversation, Jane also reflects on navigating the lingering effects of the pandemic in education, the importance of relationships and collaboration in leadership, and the ways she continues to grow intellectually, emotionally, and creatively through reading, research, and artmaking. She closes with thoughtful advice for emerging leaders about staying involved, embracing opportunities even when they feel uncomfortable, and maintaining balance between leadership commitments and personal life.

Hosted by Dr. Abi Paytoe Gbayee and Dr. Yichien Cooper, this podcast is part of our collaborative research project Leadership in Threads: A Fiber and AI-Enhanced Exploration. Through intimate dialogue, the series stitches together stories of leadership journeys, personal values, and creative processes from elected art education leaders across NAEA.

Resources Mentioned:

• National Art Education Association (NAEA): ⁠arteducators.org⁠

• NAEA School for Art Leaders (SAL): https://www.arteducators.org/events-and-opportunities/school-for-art-leaders/

• Michigan Art Education Association (MAEA): https://www.miarted.org/

• Book: Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us (Susan Magsamen & Ivy Ross): https://www.yourbrainonart.com/your-brain-on-art-book

• ArtCenter College of Design: https://www.artcenter.edu/

• USC Rossier Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT): https://rossier.usc.edu/programs/find-compare-programs/master-arts-teaching

A special thanks goes out to Emilie Cooper for the episode art design and Ben Cooper for the into and outro music. Your contributions have elevated this work immensely.

Our Leadership in Threads: Conversations in Art Education podcast invites you to join us in reflective conversations with art educators and creative leaders who are shaping the future of the field. Hosted by Dr. Abi Paytoe Gbayee and Dr. Yichien Cooper, this podcast is part of our collaborative research project Leadership in Threads: A Fiber and AI-Enhanced Exploration. Through intimate dialogue, the series stitches together stories of leadership journeys, personal values, and creative processes from elected art education leaders across the National Art Education Association (NAEA).

In this inspiring episode we visit with Reilly Powers, the NAEA Preservice Division Director to explore her dynamic leadership journey through art education. From being a passionate student leader at Miami University to serving on national committees and advocating for equity and voice, Reilly shares how personal challenges and early teaching experiences have shaped her growth. With heart and humor, she reflects on learning boundaries, building community, and leading with empathy, plus there are some unforgettable metaphors about dogs, gardens, and bees.

Resources Mentioned:

• National Art Education Association (NAEA): arteducators.org

• Ohio Art Education Association (OAEA): ohioarted.com

A special thanks goes out to Emilie Cooper for the episode art design and Ben Cooper for the into and outro music. Your contributions have elevated this work immensely.