About the Author

Destiny Barr

At my district, I was gifted an AOEU membership for FLEX and PRO. This introduction opened an entirely new world to me as an art educator! Upon discovering this unique organization for art educators, I started exploring more of the AOE Magazine, Podcast, Art Club, and Master’s Program!

My passion for art education was ignited in 2013, when I transferred to the University of Texas at Austin for my BFA in Studio Art and Art Education. I have been teaching middle school art since 2016, except for a two-year break during COVID to handle home matters. At my current district, I have written and received more than seven grants for special projects to promote family engagement, art advocacy, and whole-child pedagogical practices. Additionally, I was voted teacher of the year on my campus for the 2024-2025 school year.

As a passionate art educator, I sought to expand my knowledge by pursuing higher education. I graduated with my first MEd in SEL, Mindfulness, and Yoga through Breathe For Change and WOOLF University in 2025. However, there was more I needed to learn! I’m currently pursuing a second master’s from Lamar University in Counseling and a third from The Art of Education University in Art Education! My favorite classes with AOEU have been the studio courses, such as Book Arts and Fiber Arts. The coursework has dramatically shifted the type of art I create and transformed my classroom pedagogy and student engagement.