TAB Storytellers

Join Jen and Abi as they chat with Anna Gibson, TAB art educator in Santa Fe, and Steve Heil, New Mexico Lead Department Analyst at New Mexico Public Education Department, about nurturing advanced artists within a TAB (Teaching for Artistic Behavior) framework. They trace their TAB journeys, explain an inclusive advanced-art model (screening, teacher nomination, or self-selection), and show how authentic showcases and contests build agency, visibility, and healthy “eustress,” especially for students from marginalized backgrounds. The conversation blends creativity research, gifted-education practices, and culturally responsive teaching to keep young artists in the pipeline from elementary through high school and beyond.

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. 

New Mexico Art Education Association (NMAEA): newmexicoarteducators.org. 

Recycle Santa Fe Art Festival: recyclesantafe.org. 

Inside Out Project (JR Artist): insideoutproject.net. 

Zaretta Hammond — Culturally Responsive Teaching & the Brain: crtandthebrain.com

New Mexico Association for the Gifted (NMAG): nmgifted.org 

New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED): web.ped.nm.gov 

NAEP 2016 Arts Assessment (The Nation’s Report Card / NCES): nationsreportcard.gov/arts_2016/ and NCES overview. 

nationsreportcard.gov

George Szekely: georgeszekely.com; book Play and Creativity in Art Teaching. 

Szekely website

Clyde Gaw (TAB/choice-based art): clydegaw.blogspot.com

Navajo Nation: navajo-nsn.gov

Pueblo of Zuni: ashiwi.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].

Join Abi and Jen in this inspiring episode as we dive deep with Chicago-based art educator Kitty Conde. Kitty shares her rich journey from building an art program from the ground up to championing TAB pedagogy in her public school. From organizing community-integrated Shark Tank-style student projects to mentoring over 40 student teachers, Kitty shares actionable insights and honest reflections on scaffolding choice, advocating for student voice, navigating standards, and embracing intergenerational learning. Her passion and systems-thinking approach remind us what it really means to teach artists, not just art.

Resources & Links

• Teaching for Artistic Behavior (TAB) – https://teachingforartisticbehavior.org

• Mighty Networks (TAB Community) – Accessible via the TAB website > "Join Our Community"

• Engaging Learners Through Artmaking by Katherine M. Douglas & Diane B. Jaquith

• Studio Thinking / Studio Habits of Mind – Project Zero, Harvard

• Knowledge Loom – Archived resource, formerly at knowledgeloom.org

• DonorsChoose – https://www.donorschoose.org

• National Art Education Association (NAEA) – https://www.arteducators.org

• National Board for Professional Teaching Standards – https://www.nbpts.org

• Illinois Arts Learning Standards – Based on National Core Arts Standards (https://www.nationalartsstandards.org)

• Thinking Through Art: Studio Thinking from the Start – Lois Hetland et al.

  
  

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 Abi and Jen sit down with Bridget Kudrle, a veteran TAB teacher and president of TAB, Inc., to talk about the whirlwind of starting a school year, what it means to lead with choice and trust in the art room, and how community keeps us grounded. From QTIP (Quit Taking It Personally) to building routines that save your sanity, Bridget shares wisdom for both new and seasoned TAB educators. 

Resources & Links:

• Teaching for Artistic Behavior

• Regional TAB Groups

• MassArt TAB Institute

• Anti-Racist Art Teachers

  
  

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 speak with dynamic art education leaders Matt & Laura Grundler of the K-12 Art Chat podcast. In the conversation, they share insights into their current work, recent projects, and their powerful journey as art teachers and administrators. The conversation also touches on advocacy, mutual support as partners and educators, and how they help guide fellow teachers in embracing their personal and professional identities.

Here are links to resources or more information that was discussed in the TABcast: K12 Art Chat Podcast (Matt & Laura Grundler)

• https://www.davisart.com/free-resources/k12-artchat/

The Creativity Department for all things Matt and Laura 

• https://www.grundlerart.com/
  

Peter H. Reynolds (Author & Illustrator)

• https://www.peterhreynolds.com/

• The Dot

• Sky Color
  

Studio Thinking

• https://www.studiothinking.org/
  

Dwayne Edwards / PENSOLE Lewis College of Business & Design

• https://www.plcdetroit.com/

  
  

Davis Art Publications

• https://www.davisart.com/
  

Understanding by Design (UbD)

• Understanding by Design White Paper
  

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, we are joined by Connie Stewart, Professor Emeritus from the University of Northern Colorado and a passionate advocate for student-centered, contemporary art education. Connie shares her journey with Teaching for Artistic Behavior (TAB), her commitment to individualized instruction, and her work with contemporary artists and big ideas in the classroom. She offers practical advice on questioning strategies, meaningful integration, and staying curious as both an educator and artist. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about honoring student voice, fostering inquiry, and keeping your own artistic spark alive.

For more information about TAB, please visit the TAB website: www.teachingfor artisticbehavior.org. Also, you are invited to join us on Mighty Networks (https://teaching-for-artistic-behavior.mn.com/), an online platform dedicated to everything TAB!

Here are links to resources or more information that was discussed in the TABcast: 

Teaching Contemporary Art with Young People

Authors: Julia Marshall, Anne Thulson, Connie Stewart

Critical Conversations in Art Education

Editors: Lisa Hochtritt, Eli Burke, Toya Northington, Connie Stewart

Think 360 Arts for Learning

Website: https://think360arts.org

Artists:

Cyrus Kabiru

Known for: C-Stunners – wearable sculptures made from discarded materials

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ckabiru/

Tomás Saraceno

Known for: Interdisciplinary installations involving spider webs, sound, air, and architecture

Website: https://studiotomassaraceno.org

John Constable

Known for: Detailed cloud and landscape studies (historical reference)

Public domain works available via Wikimedia Commons

Some Additional Artists:

These artists have done work that could be curated for the classroom depending on your age group and community

Titus Kaphar 

Lenka Clayton

Laurel Roth Hope

Alberta Aguilar

Cyrus Kabiro

Aram Han Sifuentes-banners (could be used to express opinions about school, local community)

Joo Young Choi

Guerilla Girls; the art of complaining

Ibrahim Mohama

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 the last episode of TAB Storytellers season 3, Abi and Jen decided to end with a candid, heartfelt conversation that celebrates their journey, the evolution of TAB (Teaching for Artistic Behavior), and the challenges and triumphs of teaching art in diverse environments. They reflect on their personal and professional growth, share updates about roles, research, and family life, and explore meaningful themes like student agency, teacher identity, and curriculum design. It's a rich and inspiring check-in that reaffirms the community and philosophy behind the TABcast.

For more information about TAB, please visit the TAB website: www.teachingfor artisticbehavior.org. Also, you are invited to join us on Mighty Networks (https://teaching-for-artistic-behavior.mn.com/), an online platform dedicated to everything TAB!

Here are links to resources or more information that was discussed in the TABcast: 

• Engaging Learners Through Artmaking (Book, 2nd Edition)

• Fred Tjardes School of Innovation, Greeley, CO

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 are joined by Dyango Chavez-Cutiño, a school programs educator at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (ISGM) in Boston, Massachusetts. A TAB teacher by trade, Dyango recently joined the ISGM as a museum educator to help facilitate their school programs. The trio discusses TAB in classroom and museum learning environments, the framework of Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) and how it is used in art as well as other subjects, and the benefits of integrating VTS in various curricula.

For more information about TAB, please visit the TAB website: www.teachingfor artisticbehavior.org. Also, you are invited to join us on Mighty Networks (https://teaching-for-artistic-behavior.mn.com/), an online platform dedicated to everything TAB!

Here are resources to more information discussed in the TABcast: 

• Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum – “Thinking Through Art” Program  https://www.gardnermuseum.org/organization/education/thinking-through-art

• New York Times – Visual Thinking Strategies Page A page dedicated to using VTS with contemporary images and real-world events, recommended for high school teachers. https://www.nytimes.com/section/learning/picture-prompt

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, Abi and Jen sit down with Jessica Boritz, an atelierista and art teacher at Grace Episcopal Day School in Kensington, Maryland.  During their conversation, Jessica shares her extensive knowledge of and experience with TAB and Reggio-Emilia, two very compatible approaches to contemporary art education. In addition, the triad also discusses curiosity and creativity in teaching and learning, children’s aesthetics, and the role of beauty in learning.

For more information about TAB, please visit the TAB website: www.teachingfor artisticbehavior.org. Also, you are invited to join us on Mighty Networks (https://teaching-for-artistic-behavior.mn.com/), an online platform dedicated to everything TAB!

Here are resources to more information discussed in the TABcast: 

• Everywhere Atelier Study Group - Roberta Pucci: https://www.everywhereatelier.net – Study groups and online resources about Reggio Emilia–inspired practices, including material dialogues and the Atelierista role.

• Reggio Children - Official Reggio Emilia Organization: https://www.reggiochildren.it/en – Offers official resources, training, and background on the Reggio Emilia approach.

• Project Zero - Harvard Graduate School of Education: https://pz.harvard.edu – Research related to creativity, education, and thinking strategies, often linked to Reggio Emilia practices. Relevant books include Making Learning Visible and Making Thinking Visible.

• Edward Clapp - Participatory Creativity: https://pz.harvard.edu/projects/agency-by-design – Focuses on creativity as an emergent, collective process rather than an individual trait.

• Rick Rubin - The Creative Act: A Way of Being: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Creative-Act/Rick-Rubin/9780593652886 – A book exploring creativity and process.

• Elizabeth Gilbert - Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear: https://www.elizabethgilbert.com/books/big-magic/ – A book referenced regarding inspiration and the creative process.

• Richard Serra - Verb List: https://www.moma.org/collection/works/152793 – Mentioned in relation to material exploration in art and Reggio Emilia.

• Goldy Muhammad - Culturally & Historically Responsive Education: https://www.goldymuhammad.com/ – Referenced regarding beauty and humanity in curriculum design.

• Elaine Scarry - On Beauty and Being Just: https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691070053/on-beauty-and-being-just – A book discussing aesthetics, justice, and the role of beauty in learning.

• National Art Education Foundation (NAEF) Grants: https://www.arteducators.org/opportunities/naef – Jessica mentioned she traveled to Reggio Emilia through an NAEF grant. More details on professional development grants can be found here.

Here is a link to the lightly 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 Kristin Anson, an art teacher at an international school in Sri Lanka, where she teaches preschool through fifth grade within a PYP (Primary Years Programme) framework. During their conversation, Kristin shares what it’s like to bring TAB pedagogy into an international context and how her inquiry-based curriculum supports student choice and autonomy. In addition, the trio discusses the realities of unlearning traditional teacher-led approaches, collaborating with classroom teachers, building supportive school communities, and how Kristin’s social media presence, “PrincessArtyPants,” offers inspiration for educators seeking to embrace choice-based art education.

For more information about TAB, please visit the TAB website: www.teachingfor artisticbehavior.org. Also, you are invited to join us on Mighty Networks (https://teaching-for-artistic-behavior.mn.com/), an online platform dedicated to everything TAB!

Here are resources to more information discussed in the TABcast: 

• Princess Arty Pants Blog - Kristin Anson:  https://blog.princessartypants.com/  – A blog chronicling Kristin Anson’s journey with PYP and TAB practices, offering reflections, ideas, and insights for art educators.

• Princess Arty Pants Instagram - Kristin Anson:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/princess_artypants ⁠ – Follow for regular content on TAB, PYP, and art education strategies.

• PYP TAB Facebook Group: A specialized community for educators incorporating Primary Years Programme (PYP) principles into TAB-based teaching.

• Earcos Conference - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (March 2024): A TAB and PYP educator meet-up will be held during this conference. For more details, reach out to Kristin Anson.

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 renowned artist and author Olivia Gude. Olivia is a Professor Emerita of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and the University of Illinois at Chicago, having developed numerous frameworks and programs at these institutions. Among the topics the triad discusses are the evolution of process-based art education, dialogical pedagogy, Olivia's work with Spiral Workshops, and the role of the educator in a TAB program.

For more information about TAB, please visit the TAB website: www.teachingfor artisticbehavior.org. Also, you are invited to join us on Mighty Networks (https://teaching-for-artistic-behavior.mn.com/), an online platform dedicated to everything TAB!

Here are resources to more information discussed in the TABcast: 

• Olivia Gude’s Articles and Concepts

• “New School Art Styles” (2013): Published in Art Education journal (awarded the Manuel Barkan Award).

• “Postmodern Principles” (2004): Art Education journal article describing contemporary alternatives to the classic Elements & Principles.

• “Principles of Possibility” (2007): Art Education journal article proposing themes and frameworks for deeper meaning-making in art curricula.

• Spiral Workshop: A teaching/research project Gude led at the University of Illinois–Chicago, featuring thematically driven, open-ended artmaking experiences.

• Examples and images can be found in Olivia Gude’s NAEA e-Portfolio (includes slides/videos of workshops) https://naea.digication.com/Spiral/Spiral_Workshop_Theme_Groups/

• Forthcoming & Recent Publications

• Book: Promoting Civic Engagement Through Art Education (edited by Doug Blandy and Flavia Bastos).

• Gude’s chapter: “Limit Acts and Constructed Situations: Paulo Freire and the Situationist International.” (Fall 2024)

• Dialogical Pedagogy & Assessment

• Skeptical Assessment Society: Gude’s collaborative workshop series with educators such as Katherine Douglas, challenging rigid scoring rubrics and emphasizing authentic learning/meaning-making.

• Paulo Freire’s “Pedagogy of the Oppressed”: Foundational text for dialogical, student-centered teaching approaches that inform Gude’s community-based and thematic curriculum work.

• National Core Arts Standards (2014)

• Gude served on the writing team for these standards, which encourage self-directed play with materials, authentic artmaking processes, and reflection over rote skills.

• Find them at: National Core Arts Standards – Visual Arts

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