Art Works for Teachers

Send a text Ever thought math was boring? Cindy Lawrence once felt the same—until she became the Executive Director of the National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath), where math is anything but dull. In this episode, Cindy shares her journey from avoiding math to leading a museum that brings it to life through playful, interactive exhibits like PolyPaint and String Product. You’ll hear how MoMath is...

Send a text As December unfolds, many of us are holding on for dear life, navigating the complexities of a hectic year and the end-of-year buzz. If you're feeling that way too, you’re not alone! In this episode, we dive into a meaningful and creative way to approach celebrations in the classroom—without leaving anyone out.

Send a text From fun exercises like drawing a penny to strategies that slow down fast-paced thinking, you’ll learn how to help students notice the details they often miss. Tune in for practical tips to boost attention, critical thinking, and engagement—just in time for the holiday season.

Send a text More learning, less stress – sounds impossible, right? Discover how to reclaim your joy for teaching, connect deeply with your students, and eliminate stressors that drain your energy. Dave shares practical tips and relatable insights that will have you nodding along and saying, “That’s exactly what I need!”  So if you’ve been craving a way to teach with less stress and more purpose, t...

Send a text Guest Genein Letford takes us on a journey through the mind-body connection and how creativity is at the heart of it all. She shares her 16 Diamond Tools for creative thinking, the magic of intercultural creativity, and how music and leadership come together in her program, Lyrics and Leadership. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that just might change the way you see creativity in...

Send a text What if poetry was more than words? In this episode, we explore poetry as a powerful connector across disciplines, weaving together art, history, and fresh perspectives to deepen student engagement and understanding. Join us to learn creative ways of making poetry an immersive, cross-disciplinary experience that resonates beyond the classroom.

Send a text As winter settles in, many of us are feeling both the calm and the chaos that come with it. In the classroom, keeping students focused through the holiday buzz is no small feat. If you’re looking for some fresh ways to spark engagement, these 3 creative teaching frameworks are simple, effective tools to bring new energy to your lessons—especially when you need it most.

Send a text Discover how integrating theater not only empowers students through collaboration and creativity but also fosters empathy, all while emphasizing the importance of process over product. This episode is sure to inspire educators and arts advocates alike to explore the transformative power of collaborative theater in the classroom!

Send a text Susan is back and sharing more practical strategies to engage students, highlighting how to connect current events to classroom learning using the 'Headline Strategy' and the 'Step Inside' strategy to build empathy. Join Susan in creating more meaningful and relevant learning experiences for your students!

Send a text Discover how a chance tour of a local school led us to create an 8-step system you can use to build your dream STEAM program. 

Send a text In this episode, Danny, the Chief Ruckus Maker, shares his inspiring journey as a storyteller and educator. He discusses the importance of creativity and innovation in education, emphasizing the need to challenge traditional practices, and offers practical tools to help leaders develop their skills and achieve their goals.

Send a text Join culture futurist Theo Edmonds as he reveals how creativity drives innovation and systems change. He introduces Creativity America and the "wonder economy," where creativity is currency, and explains his Creative Brain Capital framework for measuring team creativity, urging collaboration between art, science, and business to shape the future.

Send a text Tune in this week for an exciting episode featuring Peter Brown, the mastermind behind The Wild Robot, hitting theaters tomorrow! Peter dives into the secrets of the book’s creation, his unique artistic process, and the thrilling adaptation of the story into film. Not only will you hear some behind-the-scenes insights but this episode is also a fantastic resource for educators eager to...

Send a text This week, we're (re-)exploring the powerful connection between math and art with educator Ruth Byrne, using Froebel’s Gifts, a set of hands-on tools designed to foster creativity and mathematical understanding. These manipulatives, originally created for young learners, help students of all ages grasp complex concepts visually. Tune in to learn how you can use them to enhance you...

Send a text Tired of traditional leadership? Discover Buildership! Learn how to transform your school into a place where every student can thrive. Join us as Dr. Robyn Jackson shares insights, strategies, and real-world examples of schools that have achieved remarkable results. Don't miss this opportunity to become a true builder of brilliance.

Send a text On this week's episode, educator Adam Hyman shares his unique journey from working with the New York Mets to becoming a seasoned educator and tech innovator. Discover how he brings technology to life in the classroom, keeping students engaged and learning fresh while also dropping insights on using creativity and technology to make education truly dynamic.

Send a text In this episode, we chat with Nina Kenny McCray, founder of Arts Without Boundaries, about her mission to bring quality arts education to black and brown children in Philadelphia. Nina shares her journey, the challenges of securing funding, and the importance of diversity among teaching artists. This is a must-listen for anyone passionate about arts, education, and empowering the next...

Send a text In this episode, Haley Haas and Stephanie Kidd explore the crucial role of creativity in STEM fields, sharing personal stories and practical advice. From overcoming imposter syndrome to building a thriving STEAM career, this episode offers invaluable insights for women and anyone passionate about breaking boundaries.

Send a text This week, Susan explores the challenges faced by introverted students in a world that often values extroverted traits, questioning whether this "extrovert ideal" overlooks the valuable contributions of introverted students, who excel in areas like critical thinking, listening, and written expression. By meeting learners where they are, teachers can empower everyone in their...

Send a text It's mid-August, which means teachers everywhere are experiencing that familiar mix of excitement and anxiety as back-to-school season quickly approaches. This episode is packed with actionable tips, relatable anecdotes, and a healthy dose of encouragement. So, whether you're a seasoned teacher or just starting your journey, tune in and get ready to transform your school year...

Send a text Ever dreamed of an extra pair of hands to help with lesson planning, classroom management, or creating assessments? Imagine brainstorming lesson ideas with a tool that can spark creativity and adapt to different learning styles. Need a hand crafting rubrics or managing your classroom? AI assistants - The Creativity Coach, in particular - can be your secret weapon. Ditch the late nights...

Send a text Is your classroom full of disengaged students? Dr. PJ Caposey, school leader extraordinaire, joins us to discuss the challenges of educating today's students and creating a thriving school culture. Learn how to build relationships, develop engaging lessons, and empower your teachers to become leaders!  Don't miss this episode!

Send a text Join Dr. Girija Kaimal as she explores how artistic expression enhances our health and wellbeing, helping us connect with our emotions and cope with stress. Learn about her book, The Expressive Instinct, and discover practical ways to harness your creativity. Perfect for educators, this episode reveals how incorporating the arts can empower students and improve teaching practices.

Send a text Whether you're a seasoned teacher or just looking for new ways to spark a love of learning, this episode is full of inspiration and practical tips to turn your classroom into a world of wonder. This week, we chat with Holly Stuart, a former elementary and middle school science teacher who now works with Foldscope Instruments. Holly shares her passion for making science fun and acc...

Send a text Susan is back this week with a look at our upcoming Summer Summit, which is offering both livestreamed and on-demand sessions on relevant topics like the science of reading, leveraging artificial intelligence, and of course - arts integration and STEAM! Pique your interest in some seriously fun summer PD with this conference sneak peek!