About the Author

Cassidy Reinken

I’m Cassidy Reinken, a veteran learner and art educator with over 13 years of experience teaching, from kindergarten to the graduate level. I have experience in a wide variety of leadership positions, including my most recent position as magnet coordinator at a STEAM magnet school. My graduate work and professional certification includes a master’s degree from Morningside College in 2008, with a focus in education. In 2013, I earned my National Board Certification in Early Adolescence through Young Adult Art. I completed a Master’s in Educational Leadership degree, with a principal license, from Drake University in 2016. I am passionate about empowering learners to be creative and innovative through authentic and personalized learning opportunities in education and beyond.

“Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change.” ― Brené Brown

Posts by Cassidy

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Article

How to Manage Stress and Anxiety in Difficult Times

Art Education and the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Stress is a normal part of life. We get excited or anxious about things,...
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Article

Do You Play Music in the Art Room?

Today I’d like to discuss the topic of playing music in the art room while your students work. In my...
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Article

9 Steps to Efficiently Rewrite Your Student Learning Expectations

Student Learning Expectations (SLE’s) also known as Student Learning Outcomes, (SLO’s), are the standards in which you expect your students...
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Article

Why I Pick My Battles in the Art Room Wisely

  With the extremely cold and long winter we had this year, it seemed like the beginning of 4th quarter would...
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Article

How to Plan a Successful Return From a Leave of Absence

Returning to work after an extended leave can be a difficult transition. In my case, I was returning from an...
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Article

The Top 10 Art Supplies to Add to Your Order in 2014

Like most art teachers, new art supplies make me happy. I secretly wonder if other art teachers had an obsession...
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Article

The Benefits of Limiting Choices in Choice-Based Art Education

Since implementation of the Choice-Based Art curriculum known as TAB, student achievement, engagement and learning have drastically increased in my...
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Article

Set Up Your TAB Room in 7 Easy Steps

Yesterday, I shared the reasons why I chose to teach a Choice-Based art curriculum known as Teaching for Artistic Behavior...
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Article

Why I Changed to a Choice-Based Art Curriculum

2013 was filled with many professional milestones and changes for me. I attended NAEA, completed and passed my National Board...
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Article

Conquer Batik With This Handy Resource Guide 

Batik is the art of using wax resist and dye to decorate fabric. The art of batik has been practiced...
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Article

What It Really Takes to Become a National Board Certified Art Teacher

When I started my journey towards national board certification in the fall of 2012, I had no idea how much...
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Article

How to Use Brain Breaks to Increase Student Productivity

Do you ever get so involved in an activity that you forget to take a break? I know that I...
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