About the Author

Andrew McCormick

Hey everybody, my name is Andrew McCormick. I’m a Middle School Art Teacher in Johnston, IA where I currently teach 8th and 9th graders (I know it’s kind of an unusual gig to teach middle school and high school students at the same time). I graduated with my B.A. in Art Education from the University of Northern Iowa. Before landing my first teaching job in 2005, I attended Ohio University in Athens, Ohio where I received an M.F.A. in Sculpture. I taught for four years as a part time elementary/ part time high school teacher, followed by a brief stint as an Art Education Instructor at my alma mater. I like to tell people I’ve taught art at all levels, from elementary to adults. My own pedagogy focuses on STEAM Education and Choice Based Education, technology integration in the art room, Standards Based Grading, and Project Based Learning.

When not teaching, I’m busy with my wonderful family. My three kids keep me busy with volunteer opportunities; sports, LEGO League, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. I’m a super nerdy gardener, occasional runner, and unapologetic podcastphile… it that’s really a word?!

Posts by Andrew

Content Type
  • All
  • Article
  • Podcast
  • Video
Topic
  • All
  • Assessment
  • Classroom Management
  • Curriculum
  • Instructional Strategies
  • News
  • Professionalism
  • Studio Practices
Subtopic
  • All
  • Assessment Design
  • Assessment Implementation
  • Expectations
  • Physical Space
  • Relationship Building
  • Curriculum Approaches
  • Curriculum Design
  • Differentiation
  • Engagement
  • Advocacy
  • Professional Learning
  • Professional Practice
  • Connections
  • Creativity
  • Media & Techniques
pile of artwork
Article

How Mastering Art Room Accommodations Benefits All Students

As teachers, we are continually improving our practice, and we all have different strengths. However, I know many art teachers struggle...
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quote from episode 3
Podcast

Art Room Branding: Projects That Define Your Program (Ep. 003)

Andrew takes his first turn in the host chair for a discussion with Tim on the biggest things we do–the...
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Article

10 Realistic Goals for the New Year

Well… it’s that time again. The year is winding down making it a nice time to reflect. Of course, we...
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Article

How Teaching Art Is Like Being a Professional Wrestler

Recently, I made the mistake of telling my students that my older brother is a niche celebrity in the world...
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Article

Why Art Teachers Are the Leaders of the Future

Educational reform is a sticky subject. It seems that many teachers take a “this too shall pass” attitude towards every...
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Article

How to Safely Use Spray Paint With Your Students

We all have tried-and-true projects in our arsenals that students love. These are the complete home runs. They are usually...
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Article

Why I Don’t Call Home Anymore

As a younger teacher, I consistently made what I now feel is a big classroom management mistake. I used to...
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Article

Ease Into Technology With a Photo Walk

I try to stay away from comments like “back when I was your age” or “back in my day,” as...
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Podcast

Nov. 10, 2015 – Ep. 17 – ‘How to Organize a Party for 4,000 Art Teachers’ with NAEA Convention Coordinator Bob Reeker

Andrew and Tim had a chance to chat with Bob Reeker, the Coordinator of the NAEA 2016 National Convention in...
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Article

Why Saying No More Often Can Make You a Better Teacher

As teachers, we are charitable and giving to a fault. Our altruistic genes are why we do what we do;...
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Article

The Top 10 Graphic Novels to Use in Your Secondary Art Room

    I love using and teaching with graphic novels. Of course, there’s the obvious connection to Pop Art and...
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Podcast

Oct. 20, 2015 – Ep. 16 – ‘The Alchemy of Art: Inspiration and Making Meaning’ with Addie Hirschten

Addie Hirschten, author of The Alchemy of Art, appeared on the show to talk about how we find inspiration in...
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