The Art of Ed Community is a positive, online space just for art teachers, and we’ve had a big year! We’ve hosted exciting events, given away amazing prizes, and most thrilling of all, celebrated 10,000 art teachers joining us. We asked our members, “What’s one reason you love being part of this space?”
If you haven’t joined yet or haven’t been back in a while, here are the top ten treats waiting for you!
1. Your People
Perhaps the best treat of all is finding “your people.” As community member Samatha put it, “There are only three art teachers in my entire school district (including myself), so this community provides a space to connect with other art teacher brains and learn.” Kristen echoed this idea, saying, “I love the AOE Community because it reminds me that there are others in the same boat… lots of students, creative chaos, and challenges that only art teachers would understand!”
2. Built-In Support System
The Art of Ed Community puts a support network of art teachers in your pocket. Kathryn described the vibe this way, “I appreciate the sense of Art Teacher family. Everyone here understands the complexities of our job. We celebrate everybody’s wins and give support to those who need it. That is what family is all about.” If you have a tricky situation you need advice on, a celebration to share, or a burning question, come on in and ask away!
3. Fun Freebies
When you join The Art of Ed Community, you get access to all of our Community Perks, including our New Member Starter Pack, which includes a fun flair sheet to use for stickers, buttons, or whatever else your heart desires!
4. Prizes Galore!
If you love prizes, The Art of Ed Community is the place to be. Each month, you have the opportunity to complete a task and enter a drawing for a fabulous prize. We also have weekly challenges where you can do the same! Additionally, we give away prizes at our monthly events. Plus, you never know what else might pop up, so keep an eye out!
5. Free Events
Joining The Art of Ed Community is free and gives you access to multiple events each month. Come to Art Club to learn from an expert, discuss a specific topic, and make a bit of art. Drop into Pop-Up Studio to set aside time to create your own work and celebrate others. Find information about all Community events here. When thinking about her favorite thing, Holly said, “[It] reminds me to make art. I really, really appreciate seeing other artist/teachers in high school trying to be their best selves.”
6. Project Ideas and Inspiration
The Art of Ed Community is full of ideas and inspiration. Tara described it as, “[A] great place to offer and receive advice and new ideas. AND it’s the most productive sort of social media platform. So I don’t feel guilty about spending time here.” Look for the #WeeklyWin post each week to share what you’re up to and peruse what others are doing in their classrooms.
7. Advocacy and Resources
You know that art isn’t extra, it’s essential. Let others know, too! You’ll find a full set of Advocacy Resources to help you share the power of the visual arts with others. The skills students learn in your classroom go far beyond making art. The creativity, problem-solving, and resilience they learn in the art room will serve them well in future careers.
8. Spaces to Share Your Work
Stephanie described The Community this way: “AOE is a giant, artistic hive mind where I am supported in my work as a teaching artist. Thank you for bringing us together.” We couldn’t agree more! Use The Art Gallery Space to showcase your personal artwork. Ask for feedback or revel with others with each successfully completed piece.
9. Product Certification Opportunities
Are you a teacher leader, mentor, or interested in leveling up your skills? Check out the FLEX + PRO Certified Leaders Program available exclusively in The Art of Ed Community. This self-paced course allows you to build advanced product knowledge, learn implementation best practices, and gain the confidence to support colleagues and advocate for meaningful use of FLEX and PRO.
10. Wellness Library
We know there’s no tired quite like “teacher tired.” So, we’ve crafted a selection of wellness resources exclusively available to Community members. Find a curated list of resources, including past Art Ed NOW presentations, as well as a series of short videos to use when you feel overwhelmed.
Our number one goal in The Art of Ed Community is to make teachers feel seen and supported, and we work every day to find big and small ways to make that happen! So it’s thrilling that Kim told us her favorite thing about The Community was, “Having others who understand and love the same things, and who can reignite the fire inside!” The Art of Ed Community is truly an antidote for burnout. Teaching can be hard, but you don’t have to do it alone. Join us!
Are you a member of The Art of Ed Community?
What part of the space feels like a treat?
Magazine articles and podcasts are opinions of professional education contributors and do not necessarily represent the position of the Art of Education University (AOEU) or its academic offerings. Contributors use terms in the way they are most often talked about in the scope of their educational experiences.
