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

Content Type
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  • Assessment
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  • Media & Techniques
Article

Survey Says…Student Inventories Are a Hit!

Does getting to know your students at the beginning of the year feel overwhelming? Whether you’re at a new school...
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Article

Exploding Clay

My kiln is in the back of my classroom. Due to the smell from firing, I never fire the kiln...
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Article

“He Ruined My Artwork!” Dealing With Art Room Vandalism

Let’s face it. We never want to witness or hear about a student vandalizing their peer’s artwork. There’s nothing worse...
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Article

Use Simple Materials to Make a Print With Tempera Paint

There are so many methods you can use with tempera paint. The possibilities are endless. Today I’d like to talk...
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Article

My Favorite Economical Glaze: Amoco Teacher’s Palette

If you flip through your Sax or Dick Blick catalog, you will find over 12 pages filled with a variety...
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Article

Using Exit Slips in the Art Room

Art teachers use multiple forms of formative assessment on a daily basis. Formative assessment is immediate and allows teachers to...
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Article

Setting Up a Successful Grid Drawing

Let’s face it; drawing is a difficult concept to teach. Drawing takes a lot of practice, patience and students tend...
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Article

A Choice Board for the Elementary Art Room

I recently wrote an article about how to use a choice board with middle school students. I’m here today to...
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Article

Stashing Lesson Materials Using Large Folders

Keeping my art room organized is important for my sanity. When my art room isn’t kept clean and organized, I...
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Article

How to Create a Collaborative Mosaic

Like many schools, walls at my school are white and bare. As the art teacher, I feel like it’s my...
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Article

Destination Modern Art in Your Classroom

Every once in a while, my Middle School Students get the opportunity to have some interactive work time on the...
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Article

Build Independent Learners With the “Ask 3, Ask Me” Strategy

My Middle School students are allowed to quietly talk to their table mates while they work. They are allowed to...
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