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
Professional Learning

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

Art of Education Magazine & Media Article
yarn
Media & Techniques

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

Art of Education Magazine & Media Article
world war II
Connections

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

Art of Education Magazine & Media Article
absent folders
Expectations

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

Art of Education Magazine & Media Article
artist posters
Instructional Strategies

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

Art of Education Magazine & Media Article
kusama
Connections

10 Artists Whom Art Teachers Are Grateful For

Art of Education Magazine & Media Article
entry document
Curriculum Approaches

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

Art of Education Magazine & Media Article
mysteries of the art room
Professional Practice

8 Art Room Mysteries All Art Teachers Want to Solve

Art of Education Magazine & Media Article
sequin art
Engagement

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

Art of Education Magazine & Media Article
playing cards
Curriculum Design

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

Art of Education Magazine & Media Article
3 emotional student artworks
Instructional Strategies

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

Art of Education Magazine & Media Article
nneka jones
Professionalism

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

Art of Education Magazine & Media Article