K12ArtChat the Podcast

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Episode 219 – Connected Arts Network – Reflections & Realities in the Classroom Jun 05, 2025

Show notes

To round out the school year, Matt and Mi’Jan talk to Connected Arts Network (CAN) members Cody Puckett and Kim Guadagnoli about how they’re reflecting on this past school year! Cody and Kim share how their school year went, how they grew as arts educators, and challenges they overcame. Learn how they applied action research to their curriculum, including how to get more “buy-in” on projects from students. Listen in to hear more from Kim and Cody!

Episode 218 – Connected Arts Network – Closing out the Year with Community in Mind May 29, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Oral Historian Dr. Mi'Jan Celie Tho-Biaz, Matt Grundler, and Connected Arts Network (CAN) members Elizabeth Zwierzynski and Leslie Grace discuss how they’re keeping the momentum as the end of the school year quickly approaches. Leslie and Elizabeth share how they’ve asked students to reflect on the school year through artmaking, highlighting self-progression, and setting future creative goals. Explore the practical techniques they use in their programs to build a sense of community among students. Listen in to hear more from Leslie and Elizabeth and discover how they make students feel heard at the end of the year.

Episode 217 – Connie Stewart – The Dangerous Power of Teaching the Arts May 15, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, the Creativity Department is joined by professor and author – Connie Stewart from the University of Northern Colorado to talk about “dangerous power of teaching arts education” and what exactly that means to her. Connie also dives into how infusing creativity into the classroom can give students a leg up in other subjects, the importance of critical thinking and emotional intelligence, as well as how artistic exploration can lead to development of civic responsibility in students. Listen in to hear more from Connie!

Episode 216 – Jed Dearybury – The Powerful Act of Play May 08, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, the Creativity Department is joined by award-winning educator and author Jed Dearybury. Listen in as they take a deep dive into the importance of play. Discover strategies for using it to increase curiosity and nurture problem solving skills. Explorehow play can be integrated into classroom routines naturally and learn from Jed as he shares challenges and successes of building joyful learning spaces through play.

Episode 215 – Lisa Kay, Beverley Johns, & Donalyn Heise – Restorative Practice May 01, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, the Creativity Department is joined by the authors of Davis Publications’ new book, Restorative Practices in Education through the Arts. Listen in as Lisa Kay, Beverley Johns, and Donalyn Heise explore how restorative teaching practices support, encourage, and build relationships. Discover ways to implement these practices in your art room to build strong classroom communities, support students’ emotional needs, and create brave spaces for creative expression. Learn how restorative practices can make a lasting impact between students and educators! Listen in to hear more!

Episode 214 – Tasha Newton – Finding your Calling Apr 24, 2025

Show notes

Tasha Newton is an art educator who started her career at the elementary level but, after an unexpected shift, she ended up teaching at a local high school and has never looked back! Joined by guest host David Modler, The Creativity Department talks to Tasha about her switch to high school, what projects and mediums she uses to keep her students engaged, how she supports students who are required to take art, and how differentiation differs between grade levels. Listen in to hear more from Tasha!

Episode 213 – Matt Johnson – Finding a Balance as a Teacher, Leader, and Maker Apr 17, 2025

Show notes

Matt Johnson is the President of Maine Art Education Association (MAEA) and he joins the Creativity Department in this episode to talk about balancing life as a teacher, leader, and maker! Enjoy an engaging discussion about the challenges of managing multiple responsibilities and grasp the importance of setting boundaries to prevent burnout. Dive into the significance of maintaining a personal art practice to stay connected to the creative process and explore the role technology plays. Listen in as Matt shares techniques for creating a healthy work, life, and creative practice balance.

Episode 212 – Connected Arts Network (CAN) – Building Resilience Apr 10, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Connected Arts Network (CAN) series, Oral Historian Dr. Mi'Jan Celie Tho-Biaz, Matt Grundler, and Connected Arts Network (CAN) members Amanda Standard and Melissa Hronkin talk about what it means to be resilient and what it looks like in the arts classroom. Amanda and Melissa share why resilience is important in their classrooms as well as personal experiences where they had to take a step back to “press pause”. They tackle other topics such as how they are devoting time and energy to taking care of their own mental health and physical spaces which include creative habits that help them form resilience. Listen in to hear more resilient strategies from Amanda and Melissa!

Episode 211 – Connected Arts Network (CAN) – Coaching to Build Community Apr 03, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Connected Arts Network (CAN) series, Oral Historian Dr. Mi'Jan Celie Tho-Biaz, Matt Grundler, and Connected Arts Network (CAN) members Jocelyn Latki and Shelly Cole explore how coaching differs from teaching in an arts classroom and the power behind coaching. From sharing vs. imparting knowledge and wisdom, to guiding your fellow educators to help them be the best versions of themselves. Jocelyn and Shelly share their personal experiences with coaching their students and how coaching can benefit adults – being hyper specific to educator needs, practical, as well as creating a mutual trust. Listen in to hear more insights and actionable strategies from Jocelyn and Shelly!

Episode 210 – Joe Fusaro – Seeking Common Ground Through Contemporary Art Mar 13, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, the Creativity Department talks with Joe Fusaro, artist, educator, and co-author of Davis Publications’ high school curriculum, The Visual Experience. Listen in and explore how contemporary art can foster dialogue and connection in the classroom. Through the use of thought-provoking artworks and dynamic discussions, Joe helps students embrace diverse perspectives and engage in meaningful conversations. Tune in to learn strategies Joe uses as well as insights, inspiration, and practical ideas to bring contemporary art into your art room!

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