Heather Crockett, Ph.D.

Chief Academic Officer

After ten years in the K-12 art classroom and five years in higher education, I started as AOEU’s very first adjunct faculty member. Over the last 11+ years, I’ve had the opportunity to help AOEU evolve from a blog to a university, serving in various capacities along the way, including the Education Director, Chief of Staff, and Dean of Graduate Studies.

In my current role as Chief Academic Officer, I am privileged to serve over 50 faculty members (all K-12 art teachers), a curriculum team dedicated to creating content for art teachers, by art teachers, and an enrollment team committed to serving students in our degree program and continuing education courses. My passion areas include curriculum design, assessment, and leveraging differentiation strategies in distance education to meet the needs of individual learners—including adult learners!

When I am not immersed in everything art ed, you will find me outside with my husband and three boys, camping and fishing, or cheering at a baseball game, wrestling meet, or band concert.

Professional Accomplishments:

Doctor of Philosophy in Education, Drake University (anticipated 2023)
Master of Arts in Education, Viterbo University (2008)
Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art, The University of Iowa (2002)
Bachelor of Arts in Speech and Hearing Science, The University of Iowa (2002)
Teacher Certification Program: Art Education K-12, The University of Iowa (2002)
Master Educator License (K-6 Art), State of Iowa
Master Educator License (6-12 Art), State of Iowa

Published articles for The Art of Education University Online Magazine (2013-2018)
Presenter, The Art of Education University Faculty Retreat (2021)
Presenter, The Art of Education University Retreat, Managing Your Remote Work Environment (2018)
Presenter, The Art of Education Retreat, How to Work From Home Like a Boss (2016)
Guest Speaker, Art Ed Radio Podcast, “Assessments You Can Actually Fall In Love With” – Episode 44 (2016)
Presenter, Art Ed Now Conference, Tips to Protect Your #1 Teaching Tool: Your Voice! (2016)
Presenter, AOE National Online Conference, 5 Things Every Art Teacher Should Know Before Creating a Rubric (2015)
Presenter, NAEA Conference, Practical Solutions for Designing an Autism-Friendly Art Room (2015)
Presenter, AEI State Convention, Let’s Talk Art (2014)
Presenter, AOE National Online Conference, 5 Adaptations for Students with Autism (2013)
Presenter, AOE National Online Conference, Save Your Art Program: Smart Advocacy Tips and Tricks for the Modern Art Teacher (2013)
Presenter, Iowa Music Educator’s Association Conference, Arts Integration Through Music, Movement and Visual Art (2008)
Presenter, AEI State Convention, Earth Connections (2007)
Presenter, AEI State Convention, The Effects of Electronic Portfolios on Student Attitude and Achievement in Art (2006)

Board of Education, Sacred Heart School (2020-Current)
AOEU Curriculum Advisory Council (2018-Current)
National Art Education Association (2002-Current)
Art Educators of Iowa (2002-Current)
AOEU Pillar Award: Ownership (2020)
AOEU Legacy Award: 5 years (2020)
AOEU Pillar Award: Pace and Change (2019)