About the Author

Jessica Westman

My name is Jessie Westman, and I have been teaching elementary art for the past 20 years. I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education from Michigan State University and my Master of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Virginia.

My passion lies in fostering holistic and social-emotional learning within the arts classroom, where I believe in nurturing not just artistic skills but also the overall well-being and personal growth of each student. I strive to create an inclusive and supportive environment that encourages creativity, self-expression, and emotional resilience.

Beyond the classroom, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family, exploring nature’s beauty and finding inspiration in the world around us. Additionally, I practice yoga, which helps me maintain balance and mindfulness in both my personal and professional life.

I am thrilled to be part of The Art of Education University community and look forward to sharing my experiences and insights with fellow educators.

Posts by Jessica

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reflect, celebrate, reframe sketchbook drawings with paint markers
Article

Unleash Your Creative Potential: Master 3 Steps to an Asset-Based Mindset

It’s Clay Week, and you’re up to your elbows in mud. Grades are due, the kiln is acting up, and...
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plastic building brick printmaking sample
Article

3 One-Day Printmaking Ideas to Bring Energy to Your Art Room

Are you looking for a way to shake things up as the school year winds down? Printmaking is the creative...
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coil trinket dishes
Article

Skip the Bisque: 4 Creative Project Ideas for Single-Fire Pottery Success!

Clay projects are magical! However, managing clay is one of the more labor-intensive tasks in the art room. You have...
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shelf of paint in rainbow order
Article

The Ultimate Guide to Simplify Your Art Space for Creative Bliss

We’ve all been there—scrolling through endless art supplies and freebie groups to add another “must-have” item to our wishlist. We...
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girl pointing at trivia on a smartboard
Article

Youth Art Month (YAM) Trivia: Ignite Curiosity and Celebrate Creativity!

When you encounter an intriguing trivia question, you may notice you sit up taller and tenser, lean in closer to...
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student writing art show themes on the board
Article

Get Ready to Wow: 5 Must-Know Tips for Your Upcoming Art Show

Art Show Day is like the art teacher’s Super Bowl! It’s the moment when your behind-the-scenes dedication makes your students’...
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alcohol inks
Article

Art Teachers in Action: Stereotypes and the Joy of Creative Play

Quick—grab a paintbrush and throw on your favorite tie-dye! On a scale of 1 to granola, how much do you...
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solve framework download on a messy shirt
Article

Navigating Parent Communication in the Art Room: SOLVE Concerns Like a Pro

It’s been a nonstop day in the art room. Between guiding students through how to mix colors, distributing paint, and...
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art room chalkboard with mantra and sel drawing prompt
Article

5 Innovative Strategies to Teach Gen Alpha in the Art Room

Meet Generation Alpha, the first true digital natives. These students grew up with devices at their fingertips and navigated their...
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yes/no rubric
Article

5 Ways to Write Great Art Rubrics FAST

Do you ever feel like creating rubrics takes more time than the actual art projects themselves? Time is valuable! As...
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postcard and biomes worksheet
Article

Make an Impact: Helpful Environmental Service Learning Ideas in the Art Room

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

4 Ways to Use Student Art for Community Service Learning & Well-Being

It’s the end-of-term rush and your desk is buried in artwork to grade. Planning time flew by as you prepped...
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