TAB Storytellers

In this episode of TAB Storytellers, Abi and Jen sit down with Emily Saleh, an artist, educator, and advocate who teaches fourth and fifth grade visual art in central New Jersey. Emily shares how her studio background and questions about student engagement shaped her approach to teaching. Together, they explore the differences between choice and agency, how engagement can be confused with compliance, and what it takes to help young artists develop their own artistic voices.

From identity portfolios and a collaborative equity mural to honest self-assessment and making room for unfinished work, Emily offers examples of how listening and reflection shape the studio. The conversation also touches on supporting students who need additional challenge, advocacy through everyday conversations, and sustaining our own identities as artists. Along the way, a stampede of turtles becomes a reminder that meaningful change can begin with small steps.

For more information about TAB, please visit the TAB website: Teaching for Artistic Behavior. You are also invited to join us on Mighty Networks, an online platform dedicated to everything TAB.

Resources:

• Teaching for Artistic Behavior / TAB

• TAB Resources

• TAB Storytellers Podcast

• TAB Mighty Networks Community

• Emily Saleh

• Engaging Learners Through Artmaking: Choice-Based Art Education in the Classroom (TAB), by Katherine M. Douglas and Diane B. Jaquith

• What Artists Do: TAB Pedagogy and Practice for K–12 Choice-Based Art Classes, by Jennifer R. Ferrari and Jillian Hogan

• Studio Habits of Mind / Studio Thinking Framework

• Dr. Sharif Bey, Syracuse University

• Titus Kaphar

• NAEA Developing Potential & Talent in Art Interest Group

• NAEA School for Art Leaders

• NAEA Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Resources

⁠Here is a link⁠ to the lightly edited transcript of this episode. We recognize that there are probably errors and grammatical issues. If anyone with the time or inclination to edit this wants to do so, please email us at ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠.

In this episode of TAB Storytellers, Abi and Jen sit down with Dr. Jill Hogan, a researcher, former music educator, and assistant teaching professor of psychology at Siena University. Jill shares her path into TAB, from spending time in a colleague’s art classroom to exploring artistic thinking through research, classroom visits, and her work on *Studio Thinking from the Start*.

During their conversation, Jill and Jen discuss their book, *What Artists Do: TAB Pedagogy and Practice for K–12 Choice-Based Art Classes*, and what they learned from the educators whose experiences shaped it. Together, the trio explores TAB’s guiding principles, student agency, teacher autonomy, and the many ways TAB can take shape across different teaching contexts. They also discuss common misconceptions, the relationship between interest and lasting learning, intrinsic motivation, and the importance of giving teachers space to think, adapt, and trust their own practice.

For more information about TAB, please visit the TAB website: Teaching for Artistic Behavior. You are also invited to join us on Mighty Networks, an online platform dedicated to everything TAB.

Resources:

• Teaching for Artistic Behavior / TAB

• TAB Resources

• TAB Storytellers Podcast 

• TAB Mighty Networks Community 

• Jill Hogan 

• Jill Hogan, Siena University Faculty Profile 

• What Artists Do: TAB Pedagogy and Practice for K–12 Choice-Based Art Classes 

• Studio Thinking from the Start: The K–8 Art Educator’s Handbook 

• Studio Habits of Mind / Studio Thinking Framework 

• Harvard Project Zero: Eight Habits of Mind 

Here is a link to the lightly edited transcript of this episode. We recognize that there are probably errors and grammatical issues. If anyone with the time or inclination to edit this wants to do so, please email us at ⁠[email protected]⁠.

In this episode of TAB Storytellers, Abi and Jen sit down with Paula Liz, an artist, educator, author, and founder of Anti-Racist Art Teachers. Together, Paula, Abi, and Jen discuss anti-racist art education, student advocacy, artivism, contemporary artists, representation, and the small but meaningful actions educators can take within their own spheres of influence. Paula shares the origin story of Anti-Racist Art Teachers, the need to respond rather than remain silent when harm shows up in classrooms or professional spaces, and the ways art education can help students imagine, create, and build a more equitable future. They also discuss the importance of art rooms as spaces where students can develop voice, agency, and leadership.

For more information about TAB, please visit the TAB website: Teaching for Artistic Behavior. You are also invited to join us on Mighty Networks, an online platform dedicated to everything TAB.

Resources:

• Teaching for Artistic Behavior / TAB

• TAB Resources

• TAB Storytellers Podcast

• TAB Mighty Networks Community

• Paula Liz / Art with Ms. Paula Liz

• Paula Liz, About

• @paulaliz.art on Instagram

• Art with Ms. Paula Liz on YouTube

• Anti-Racist Art Teachers

• Anti-Racist Art Teachers: Artivism Resources

• Anti-Racist Art Teachers Resources

• Anti-Racist Art Teachers Lessons

• Anti-Racist Art Teachers Artists Database

• Anti-Racist Art Activities for Kids Book Resources

• Be a Creative Changemaker: A Kids' Art Activity Book: Inspired by the Amazing Life Stories of Diverse Artists from Around the World by Paula Liz

• Be a Creative Changemaker Resources & References

• Anti-Racist Art Activities for Kids: 30+ Creative Projects that Celebrate Diversity and Inspire Change by Paula Liz, Abigail Birhanu, Khadesia Latimer, Lori Santos, Tamara Slade, and Anjali Wells

• How Minds Change: The Surprising Science of Belief, Opinion, and Persuasion by David McRaney

• National Art Education Association

• Studio Habits of Mind / Studio Thinking Framework

• Harvard Project Zero: Eight Habits of Mind

• International Baccalaureate Visual Arts

• Empty Bowls

• MIT Living Wage Calculator

• Living Wage Calculation for the District of Columbia

• Capital Area Food Bank

Here is a link to the lightly edited transcript of this episode. We recognize that there are probably errors and grammatical issues. If anyone with the time or inclination to edit this wants to do so, please email us at ⁠[email protected]⁠.

In this episode of TAB Storytellers, Abi and Jen sit down with Emily Bawol, an art teacher, artist, and art therapist at A2 STEAM in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Emily shares how her path through discipline-based art education, art therapy, motherhood, Waldorf, Montessori, Reggio-inspired learning, and project-based education helped her recognize that she was already building a TAB studio before she had the language for it. Together, the trio explores the role of the art teacher in a TAB classroom, especially around idea generation, material exploration, autonomy, and helping young artists trust that their own ideas matter. Emily talks about creating a studio rooted in wonder, where students learn that they are the most important tool in the room, while still building the skills, habits, and confidence they need to bring their ideas to life.

For more information about TAB, please visit the TAB website: Teaching for Artistic Behavior. You are also invited to join us on Mighty Networks, an online platform dedicated to everything TAB.

Resources:

• Teaching for Artistic Behavior / TAB

• TAB Resources

• TAB Storytellers Podcast

• TAB Mighty Networks Community

• Emily Bawol / A2 STEAM Art & Design

• A2 STEAM Project-Based Learning

• American Art Therapy Association: About Art Therapy

• CASEL: Fundamentals of SEL

• Discipline-Based Art Education, Getty Virtual Library

• Waldorf Education, Association of Waldorf Schools of North America

• American Montessori Society: About Montessori

• North American Reggio Emilia Alliance

• PBLWorks: What Is Project Based Learning?

• Melissa Purtee: The Difference Between TAB and Choice and Why It Matters

• TAB Institute at MassArt

• Julie Toole, MassArt TAB Institute Faculty Profile

• TAB Storytellers S3E5: Meet Julie Toole

• Harvard Project Zero Thinking Routines

• Project Zero: See, Think, Wonder

• Studio Thinking Books and Resources

• Peter London, No More Secondhand Art, Internet Archive

• Seymour Simmons III: The Value of Drawing

Artists Mentioned:

• Jean-Michel Basquiat, official estate website

• Frida Kahlo Museum / Museo Frida Kahlo

• Mark Rothko, National Gallery of Art

• Pablo Picasso, National Gallery of Art

• Vincent van Gogh, Van Gogh Museum

Here is a link to the lightly edited transcript of this episode. We recognize that there are probably errors and grammatical issues. If anyone with the time or inclination to edit this wants to do so, please email us at ⁠[email protected]⁠.

In this episode of TAB Storytellers, Jen and Abi sit down with longtime TAB educator Tom Burkle and preservice art educator Liam Schneider for a beautiful full-circle conversation about teaching, mentorship, student agency, and what it means to grow into TAB over time. Liam was once Tom’s elementary art student, later became Abi’s student at the University of Northern Colorado, and recently returned to Tom’s classroom as a student teacher. Together, they reflect on Tom’s early move toward choice, the small classroom moments that can shift an educator’s whole philosophy, and the power of seeing students, and future teachers, as capable artists and thinkers.

The conversation moves through TAB history in Colorado, curriculum design, artist statements, classroom management, confidence-building, and the real planning and organization behind a choice-based studio. Tom and Liam also talk honestly about behavior, routines, individualized consequences, and the importance of reflective mentorship in helping new teachers stay grounded, curious, and willing to try again.

Bonus update: Since this conversation was recorded in March (yes Abi was busy and yes she got behind and is playing catch up), Liam graduated and has found a job! He will be teaching high school pottery next year in the same town near Tom, and they are both excited for this next chapter. Here is a pic of Abi and Liam from the right before Liam graduated.

Resources

• Teaching for Artistic Behavior / TAB: Official TAB website and starting place for learning more about TAB pedagogy, practice, professional development, and community.  https://teachingforartisticbehavior.org

• TAB Community on Mighty Networks: Online community for TAB educators to connect, ask questions, and share resources. https://teaching-for-artistic-behavior-inc.mn.co/

• Fred Tjardes School of Innovation, Greeley, Colorado: Mentioned by Liam and Abi as a powerful example of inquiry, student agency, theme-based learning, and choice-centered practice beyond the art room.  https://ftsoi.greeleyschools.org/

• Understanding by Design by Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe: Tom mentions this book as part of his early thinking around curriculum, assessment, and how students demonstrate higher-level thinking.  https://www.ascd.org/books/understanding-by-design-expanded-2nd-edition

• Understanding by Design Framework White Paper: A helpful overview of the UbD framework for curriculum planning and assessment. https://files.ascd.org/staticfiles/ascd/pdf/siteASCD/publications/UbD_WhitePaper0312.pdf

• Olivia Gude’s “Postmodern Principles: In Search of a 21st Century Art Education”:  Liam references Connie Stewart introducing him to postmodern principles, which became a game changer in his understanding of choice, meaning-making, and contemporary art education.  https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00043125.2004.11653528

• University of Northern Colorado:  Referenced as part of Liam’s preservice teacher education journey and Abi’s teaching context. https://www.unco.edu/pva/art-design/areas/art-education/

• TAB Colorado:  Mentioned in the conversation as part of the broader Colorado TAB story and community.  https://coloradotabinc.org

• MassArt TAB Institute: Referenced in the conversation as part of the broader timeline of TAB professional learning and community-building.  https://pce.massart.edu/programs/tab

• Teaching for Artistic Behavior: A Definition and Historiography by Abi Paytoe Gbayee: Abi mentions her dissertation and Tom’s connection to her research on continuums of choice. https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/teaching-artistic-behavior-definition/docview/2817860186/se-2

Here is a lightly edited transcript of this episode. We recognize that there are probably errors and grammatical issues. If anyone with the time or inclination to edit this wants to do so, please email us at [email protected]⁠.

Join us in this episode as we talk with TAB Institute Directors Melissa Purtee, Jen Rankey-Zona, and past TAB Institute attendees Ellie Bejar-Benz, Darren Farris, and Margaret Fetzko about the TAB Institute. This year’s focus is on building sustainable studios, and the power of being in community with other art educators. The conversation centers on how TAB helps students and teachers build creative confidence, use materials with intention, embrace authentic problem-solving, and reconnect with the joy and humanity of artmaking.

Resources:

Teaching for Artistic Behavior / TAB — official TAB website.

TAB Professional Development — TAB workshops and professional development opportunities.

TAB Mighty Networks Community — online TAB educator community.

MassArt TAB Institute — MassArt’s Teaching for Artistic Behavior Summer Institute page.

Massachusetts College of Art and Design / MassArt — official MassArt website.

Boston Modern Quilt Guild: Current Quilt Shows & Events — includes the no-new-materials/upcycled denim quilt challenge mentioned in the episode.

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston — mentioned as being near MassArt.

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum — mentioned as another nearby Boston museum.

Gelli Arts Gel Printing Plates — linked for the “Gelli blocks” reference.

NAEA Learning: Going Deeper with Teaching for Artistic Behavior — includes Katherine Douglas and Diane Jaquith discussing TAB.Here is a lightly edited transcript of this episode. We recognize that there are probably errors and grammatical issues. If anyone with the time or inclination to edit this wants to do so, please email us at ⁠[email protected]⁠.

In this episode Abi and Jen welcome elementary TAB educator Jess Baker to explore the powerful connections between Teaching for Artistic Behavior, special education, differentiated instruction, and student independence. Jess shares how her graduate work helped her recognize the ways TAB already supports students with exceptionalities by centering choice, access, collaboration, and authentic artmaking. Together, we talk about honoring the whole child, advocating for students in the art room, and why play, freedom, and independence matter so deeply in a TAB studio.

Resources:

• Teaching for Artistic Behavior / TAB — official TAB website.
• TAB Community on Mighty Networks — online TAB educator community.
• Parents Encouraging Parents / PEP Conference — Colorado Department of Education — conference Jess references for families of children with disabilities.
• CAST Universal Design for Learning Guidelines — UDL resource connected to the conversation about access and differentiated instruction.
• Colorado Multi-Tiered System of Supports / MTSS — MTSS resource connected to the discussion of student support systems.
• Response to Intervention within Colorado MTSS — RTI resource connected to the MTSS/RTI language in the episode.
• TAB Storytellers: Meet George Szekely & Ilona Szekely — episode referenced during the conversation about play, collections, and agency.
• Play and Art Podcast with Dr. Ilona and Dr. George Szekely — podcast focused on play-based art teaching.
• Discovery Museum — da Vinci Workshop — maker/exploration space Jen mentions.
• Boston Children’s Museum — Art Lab — hands-on art space mentioned in relation to children’s open-ended artmaking.
• The Art Barn / Cultural Center of Cape Cod — children’s art space on the Cape mentioned by Jen.
• Margie’s Java Joint — Greeley coffee shop mentioned in Abi and Jess’s story.

Here is a lightly edited transcript of this episode. We recognize that there are probably errors and grammatical issues. If anyone with the time or inclination to edit this wants to do so, please email us at [email protected].

Also we are using our imagination to pretend Abi got this episode published in March. Life was life-ing.

In this episode of TAB Storytellers, Jen and Abi sit down with the incredible Dale Zalmstra, whose work and mentorship have profoundly shaped TAB practice in Colorado and beyond. Dale shares her nontraditional path into art education, how she found TAB early on, and why community, reflection, and teacher involvement are essential to sustaining student-centered, choice-based learning. This conversation is a powerful reminder that TAB is a philosophy—rooted in trust, creativity, and authenticity—that continues to grow through relationships and shared leadership.

Resources:

Teaching for Artistic Behavior (TAB)

Website: https://teachingforartisticbehavior.org

Core ideas: The child is the artist. The classroom is the studio. What do artists do?

Mighty Networks – TAB Community

Online community of TAB educators (linked through 

TeachingforArtisticBehavior.org → “Join Our Community”)

TAB Art Educators Facebook Group:

 https://www.facebook.com/groups/178282718971259/

National Art Education Association (NAEA)

https://www.arteducators.org

Colorado Art Education Association (CAEA)

coloradoarted.org

ArtSource (Colorado)

www.artsourceco.org

TAB Colorado and TAB CO Conference 

TAB Colorado: coloradotabinc.org

TABStock

https://www.facebook.com/groups/248738239772624/

Colorado Visual Arts Standards

Colorado Visual Art Standards

What Artists Do

Subtitle: TAB Pedagogy and Practice for K–12 Choice-Based Art Classes

By Jen Ferrari and Jill Hogan

Publication date: June 26, 2026 (preorders available at time of recording)

Here is a link to a lightly edited transcript of this episode. We recognize that there are probably errors and grammatical issues. If anyone with the time or inclination to edit this wants to do so, please email us at [email protected].

In this episode of TAB Storytellers, Jen and Abi sit down with Dr. Yichien Cooper to explore how curriculum can be a living, justice-centered practice shaped by listening, trust, and creative risk-taking. Yichien shares how she brings the principles of TAB into higher education spaces, even without a formal art education program, and how honoring students' lived experiences can transform both teaching and learning. It’s a conversation full of reflection, encouragement, and powerful reminders that what we do in the classroom plants real seeds.

Resources:

Teaching for Artistic Behavior: teachingforartisticbehavior.org

TAB community (Mighty Networks): teaching-for-artistic-behavior-inc.mn.co. 

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

TAB Art Educators Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/178282718971259/

Here is a link to a lightly edited transcript of this episode. We recognize that there are probably errors and grammatical issues. If anyone with the time or inclination to edit this wants to do so, please email us at [email protected].

In this episode, join Jen and Abi as they sit down with retired Arizona art teacher Colleen Eckles to learn how she moved from traditional, product-driven projects into a full TAB practice over the course of her 29-year career. Colleen shares the messy middle, “Free Art Fridays,” center set-ups, admin conversations, and high-stakes testing, along with the joy of trusting kids as artists and finding community through TAB books, conferences, and online spaces. Colleen brings a heartfelt encouragement for teachers, both new and folks on the edge of burn out, to start small, find their people, and keep honoring students’ creative agency.

Resources:

Teaching for Artistic Behavior: teachingforartisticbehavior.org

TAB community (Mighty Networks): teaching-for-artistic-behavior-inc.mn.co. 

TAB Art Educators Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/178282718971259/

Blocks Paper Scissors Podcast - Clark Fralick and Clyde Gaw https://blockspaperscissors.podbean.com/

Make Artists Podcast - Ian Sands https://open.spotify.com/show/4dLxBE4pANtQ5Iw44gCWMk

Abi’s Dissertation - Teaching for Artistic Behavior: A Definition and Historiography: https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/teaching-artistic-behavior-definition/docview/2817860186/se-2

National Art Education Association (NAEA): ⁠arteducators.org⁠. Here is a link to a lightly edited transcript of this episode. We recognize that there are probably errors and grammatical issues. If anyone with the time or inclination to edit this wants to do so, please email us at [email protected].