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

7 Successful Strategies for Managing Middle Schoolers

When people learn I teach middle school art, the response I frequently hear is “Oh, I’m sorry, I could never...
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Article

Do You Dare? Plastering Students’ Faces for Amazing Mask Results

Creating sculptures is exciting and fun for students of all ages. Maybe it’s the fact that three-dimensional works of art...
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Article

9 Essential Tips for A Successful Plaster Mask Lesson

Previously, I talked about the nitty gritty details of setting up and executing an amazing plaster mask lesson in your...
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Article

A Fun New Way to Teach Art History!

Trying to sneak vegetables into my son’s diet is like trying to sneak art history into my visual arts curriculum....
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Article

A Visual to Help Students From Wandering in the Art Studio

It never fails. There is always one student in each of my classes who seems to have a problem with...
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Article

How Art Teachers Make Time to Create Art

It can be very difficult for art teachers to find time to create personal artwork. When someone asks me what...
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Article

10 Tips for a Successful Peer Observation

Peer observations can be one of the most beneficial professional development opportunities you participate in. If your district offers the...
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Article

10 Tips to Help You Be a Successful National Board Candidate

My journey as a candidate for National Board Certification for teaching started in the fall of 2012. When I wrote...
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Article

The Basics of the Reduction Printmaking Process

Are you excited to try printmaking with your students but aren’t quite sure where to start? Well, let me recommend...
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Article

Creative Ways to Fund Glass Projects in Your Art Room

It’s no surprise the cost of art supplies can cause road blocks in curriculum development. Art teachers often have to...
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Article

A Colorful and Delicious Icebreaker Activity

When I say the word “candy” my students’ ears immediately perk up. I generally steer clear of allowing any type...
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Article

Organizing Your Artsonia Processes: 10 Tricks From the Experts

The process of creating and maintaining an Artsonia account can be intimidating. Rest assured, I felt the same way when...
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