Your first year of teaching has a way of humbling you—especially when you’re the only art teacher in the building, juggling hundreds of students, short class periods, and nonstop transitions. In this episode, Tim sits down with Ellie Henderson, a Chicago-area art teacher and ceramics enthusiast, to talk honestly about what her first year looked like, what surprised her most, and what helped her grow into year two. Ellie shares her experiences about learning to manage materials, pacing, and expectations in real time. Through reflections on big wins, necessary pivots, and learning alongside her students, Ellie offers a candid look at the realities of being a new teacher and why letting go of perfection is often the most important step forward.
In this February mailbag episode of Art Ed Radio, Tim Bogatz is joined by Amanda Heyn to answer listener questions and reflect on what’s happening in art classrooms right now. From creative routines and community connections to heavier conversations about burnout and career uncertainty, this episode offers some real talk about the issues that so many art teachers are facing.
Tim and Amanda discuss what to teach during observations, how to navigate a challenging student teaching placement, and what to do when teaching feels harder than expected. They also talk honestly about shifting student motivation, the importance of struggle and experimentation in art class, and why art rooms are uniquely positioned to teach perseverance, curiosity, and creative risk-taking.
The episode wraps up with a positive look at what students are doing well today and highlights weekly wins from the Art of Ed Community—celebrating student artwork, creative lessons, and small moments of success that make the work worthwhile.
In this episode, Jen Leban returns to the show to talk with Tim Bogatz about the upcoming Art Ed NOW Conference and what’s new inside the Art of Education Community. Together, they share their excitement about creating connections, building meaningful relationships, and giving art teachers space to learn and recharge, all of which will happen this weekend at Art Ed NOW.
Jen previews several conference highlights, including the opportunities for connection, conversation, and community-building. They discuss why it’s essential for art teachers to take care of themselves, prioritize well-being, and make time for their own creativity.
In today's episode, Tim sits down with Joel Scholten, K–12 art educator, social media creator, and Art of Education FLEX Standards Manager, to talk about teaching elementary art, finding connection through social media, and rediscovering the joy in our creative practice.
Joel shares how Instagram and TikTok have helped him connect with other art teachers, refine his instructional scaffolding, and discover contemporary artists that boost student engagement. He also previews his Art Ed NOW Conference presentation, walks through a powerful negative space watercolor lesson, and drops a budget-saving classroom hack you won't want to miss. He also closes the show with some words of wisdom on how the joy of teaching and creating for yourself can make you a better, more energized educator.
Art Ed Radio has officially reached 500 episodes, and we’re celebrating a decade of conversations, creativity, and community! In this special milestone episode, host Tim Bogatz is joined by longtime collaborator Amanda Heyn to reflect on the podcast’s evolution, favorite moments, standout guests, and how art education—and the Art of Ed Community—has changed over the last 10 years.
From the early days of AOE Live to viral episode titles, from live podcast recordings to storytelling experiments and the ever-popular mailbag, this episode is a nostalgic look back—and an exciting look forward—at what makes Art Ed Radio special.
We ring in the new year with Tim Bogatz and Amanda Heyn as they open the January mailbag and answer questions from art teachers across the country. This month: classroom music (and whether you need it at all), how to advocate for high-quality art supplies with administrators, choosing the “right” grade level to teach, why January is so hard after break, and early finisher ideas for high school that aren't just busywork. They also talk about the Art Ed NOW Conference coming at the end of the month and other Art of Ed Community events that are coming soon!
Full episode transcript below.