About the Author

Chelsea Solano

Hi! I’m Chelsea Solano, and I am a 6th–12th-grade art teacher in Texas. I’m a mom of three little ones, and they fill my life with love and chaos. In my free time, I like to work on my own fiber art, write, crochet, read, and do woodworking. My home is my happy place, and a garage full of sawdust always helps me relax. I don’t like to buy what I can make myself, so I almost always have a project in the works in my garage!

At work, I am passionate about pushing my students to the next artistic level and helping them break down the thoughts that limit their art. However, I value my relationships with my students over everything else. I feel like I am exactly where I am supposed to be when I have discussions with the students about their hopes, dreams, fears, and life in general. I always want them to feel valued, seen, and encouraged by their interactions with me.

I’ve found my passion in art education, but when I first landed a teaching position, I constantly questioned whether I was doing my job “right.” When searching for guidance, I came across AOEU, binged its resources, and decided to sign up for its master’s program. After applying what I’ve learned in the program and experimenting with different instructional techniques in the classroom, I feel passionate about sharing what works with other art educators looking for guidance. I feel very blessed to be able to do this as part of the AOEU team!

Professional Accomplishments:

I. Education

Master’s Degree in art education (in-progress; The Art of Education University)

Bachelor of Arts Degree in English literature, University of North Texas | 2013

Minor in Fine Arts, University of North Texas | 2013

II. Certifications

6th–12th Grade Art Education

Technical Writing, University of North Texas | 2013

III. Publications

Criticisms of Patriarchy in Mary Rowlandson’s The Sovereignty and Goodness of God (1682); (2013; The Eagle Feather)

IV. Boards/Committees/Clubs

Electives Department Head

NHS Sponsor

Art Club Sponsor

Lighthouse Committee Member

Charter Improvement Committee Member

Student Activities Committee Member (2020–2021)

Posts by Chelsea

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
to do list
Article

3 Things to Appreciate in Each Phase of an Art Teacher’s Career

Art teachers have so much to appreciate! A career in art education is a unique and fulfilling journey. From the...
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yarn
Article

A Love Letter to Yarn: 5 Reasons Why Art Teachers Are Obsessed

There’s something so appealing about yarn! The colors, textures, and artistic possibilities have art teachers wandering down the yarn aisle...
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world war II
Article

6 Seedy Parts of the Art World Art Educators Love to Teach

Note: Be sure to review all resources and preview all artists before determining if they are appropriate to share with...
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absent folders
Article

5 Strategies to Overcome Chronic Absenteeism and 4 Effective Systems for Art Room Catchup

Note: Follow district and school policies regarding absenteeism and grading. Have you ever had a student who was absent from...
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artist posters
Article

Building Student Resiliency Skills: 9 Ways to Nurture the Ability to Thrive in Adversity

Have you ever had a student get discouraged about smudging their drawing or struggle with getting the proportions just right?...
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kusama
Article

10 Artists Whom Art Teachers Are Grateful For

Note: Be sure to review all resources and preview all artists before determining if they are appropriate to share with...
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entry document
Article

The Ultimate Guide to Project-Based Learning in Your Art Room: 3 Benefits and 5 Steps

Project-Based Learning (PBL) is all the rage these days and for good reason! It’s exactly what the name implies: instead...
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mysteries of the art room
Article

8 Art Room Mysteries All Art Teachers Want to Solve

The art room is a mystifying place! Messes and art supplies mysteriously appear or move. Sinks clog without cause. Pencils...
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sequin art
Article

4 Benefits of Play and 5 Ways to Incorporate Play in the Secondary Art Room

How often do you incorporate play into your secondary classroom? Play doesn’t necessarily mean recess, although it can! With younger...
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playing cards
Article

7 Engaging Ways to Teach the Elements and Principles of Art and 3 Fun Ways to Review Them

There’s a reason the Elements of Art and Principles of Design are called “elements” and “principles;” they are the building...
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3 emotional student artworks
Article

10 Easy Strategies to Apply Brain-Based Learning in the Art Room

Have you ever spent hours teaching students a concept, only for them to act like they never learned it the...
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nneka jones
Article

8 Reasons Art Teachers Should Use TikTok and 14 Accounts to Follow

Note: Be sure to review all resources and preview all artists to ensure videos, music, and content are appropriate to...
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