Teaching art is unlike any other job. It’s one of the few careers that weaves together creative practice, human connection, and daily joy—all while shaping how students see themselves and the world. While education trends come and go, the art room is a steady place where curiosity and expression are foundational. The small things that bring us joy are often what keep us grounded in our purpose and practice. Even on hard days, they remind us why we chose this path and why teaching art still feels like the best job in the world.
Here are some of the little things that will always spark your joy in the art room.
Unboxing art supplies.
That moment when you walk in the door and see a big stack of cardboard boxes filled with your latest supply order feels like the equivalent of a pile of beautifully wrapped presents. Art engages all the senses, making it an incredibly immersive gift. Think of the soft, squishy feel of wet clay or feeling the tooth of the paper running under your fingertips. Take in the rich saturated pigments set against the stark white of pristine paint sets. The scent of crayons can even trigger a warm, nostalgic feeling.
Experimenting with a new medium.
Remember the pure joy and awe you felt when you first saw neon materials glow under a black light? How about the satisfaction when you first felt clay spinning on the wheel? Teaching art allows you to hold onto those thrills. As a creative professional, experimenting with new tools and techniques is a part of your job. You also get to witness students in their moments of discovery, too!
Basking in the golden silence when students reach their flow state.
Teacher-imposed quiet time can give a moment of peace, but sometimes students become so engaged in their work that they forget to speak. That silence hits different. Without saying a word, students are demonstrating that they not only learned the lesson, but they are also loving it. When this happens, allow yourself to be present in the moment with your students.
To outsiders, it may seem as though students enter the class, sit down, and naturally begin to work quietly. However, we art teachers know that the magic happens with effort to build a culture of learning, grounded in strong foundational skills and intentional lesson planning. When you can identify what you did to get your students here, you can replicate the experience more often!
Explore FLEX Curriculum for classroom-tested lesson plans and resources to help your students achieve their next flow state. The Celebrating the Seasons: Winter Collection has projects like Delicious Dreamscapes that your students won’t be able to resist!
Seeing growth and progress.
Most learning is invisible; however, art is a way to make those discoveries visual! There is a tangible product of students’ learning, and with sketchbooks and portfolios, you can also capture growth. As the year progresses and students apply prior skills to new challenges and build on their knowledge, you see them develop into not just artists but learners and individuals. Their artistic breakthrough is your pedagogical success, and it’s incredibly satisfying.
Picking your wardrobe.
Art teachers have more flexibility in their professional attire than workers in any other career. In most schools, you can dress for comfort and practicality since you’re covered in messy art materials all day. But that doesn’t mean we lack professionalism and pride in what we teach! Art teachers are famous for treating their wardrobes as a part of their creative practice. You can be as unique as you’d like!
Reveling in the power of the kiln.
Every time you lift the kiln lid, there is a little bit of suspense. You allowed plenty of drying time, and you candled it to be safe. Still, every art teacher breathes a sigh of relief when they open the lid, and everything is in one piece. However, the real magic, surprise, and delight come from the glazes. The freshly glazed pots go in a pale, chalky color, and the kiln’s heat transforms them into boldly colored glass. Watching students’ eyes light up as they see the work returned from the kiln reminds you why teaching art is the best career out there!
Finding that weird “S” that students always doodle.
No matter what generation we’re teaching, you’re guaranteed to find the iconic “S” doodled somewhere at some point in the year. Its cool abstraction is partly appealing because it looks almost like a Möbius strip, and partly because there’s a drawing formula that allows everyone to succeed. It’s a good reminder that a little guided practice is a fantastic confidence builder and should always be a part of our curriculum.
Being the favorite teacher.
We get the privilege of usually being the favorite teacher in the building. It’s an honor that comes with the responsibility of having so many students come through our doors and making an inviting space where students don’t want to leave. We are the creativity break during an “academically-heavy” day, with art providing multiple opportunities for students to open up about their lives and share with us in unique ways. We are able to be there for students in ways that most other teachers cannot, and we’re often able to do so for multiple years while students move from one grade level to the next.
Reflecting on your handmade gift gallery.
As the favorite teacher, you receive many wonderful, handmade gifts! Every art teacher has a bulletin board, cabinet, or drawer dedicated to the paintings, drawings, cards, and other creations students give them. They may be quickly drawn hearts from a kindergartener who finished their project two minutes early, or a masterpiece your AP Studio student spent months revising. Every one of these works is physical proof that your students appreciate you.
Smiling back at a student who is so proud, they can’t contain it!
Every once in a while, a student is so successful with their work that they have to show it off. They don’t wait for you to come around—you see them walking towards you, holding their artwork. As they present the piece, you see that smile. It is a moment of pure joy and enthusiasm. Their artwork is so beautiful that even the creator is a little bit surprised. The student has surpassed their own expectations, and you get to see them in their moment of glory.
As expectations shift and education continues to change, the heart of the art room remains the same. Joy lives in the sensory moments, student breakthroughs, shared laughter, and unique modes of expression. These constants are small, yet powerful, and anchor us in our work. The joy reminds us to keep going on tough days and to pause and be present for the wins. Hold onto these moments—they’re proof that art teachers matter and you weave joy into everything you do!
What always makes you happy in your art room?
How do you share your joy with students or colleagues?
To chat about things that always bring you joy with other art teachers, join us in The Art of Ed Community!
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.
