About the Author

Jordan DeWilde

My name is Jordan DeWilde, and I currently teach high school in Oregon, Illinois.

I graduated from Western Illinois University with a degree in broadcasting and a double major in art. I went on to graduate school at Illinois State University, where I earned my teaching certificate with a Master of Arts in Art Education.

I strive to create an inclusive curriculum by developing lessons with positive representations of diverse artists and issues. I tell my students, “Great art has been created by men and women of different races, cultures, and communities throughout history.” My mission is to teach students that art is for everyone!

In my personal life, I spend time at home with my dog, Sprocket; she’s named after a character in Jim Henson’s show Fraggle Rock. I also enjoy going out to eat, listening to music, and exploring new places. I love traveling whenever possible, and I hope to do much more in the future! I’m really excited to be part of the AOEU team, and I look forward to exploring our shared passion for art education together!

Posts by Jordan

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Protection Animal
Article

5 Ideas to Help You Bring SEL Into Your Teaching

Social and Emotional Learning, or SEL, is an important part of any child’s development. Schools are increasingly focused on educating...
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Article

3 Ways to Honor Local Heroes in the Art Room

Many art teachers use themes in their classroom that relate to a student’s personal identity, hobbies, interests, and experience. This...
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poetry and artwork examples
Article

How to Connect Art and Poetry in the Art Room

Poetry in itself is an art form. The words are often full of imagery and expression. Poetry lends itself to...
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Image of quilt design using paper
Article

Quilt Design and Community in the Art Room

Art offers a positive gateway to address both personal and community crisis and trauma. Throughout history, artists have expressed feelings...
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Image of student artwork showing composition
Article

3 Practical Ways to Assess Student Growth

Educators are expected to demonstrate student growth in their classrooms. For art teachers, this can be daunting because we are...
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Article

3 Charcoal Activities to Teach Value and Line Variety

Charcoal has an X factor. There is just something about it. It is messy, unpredictable and many students love it...
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Article

How to Encourage Your Students’ Inspiration

Where do artists get their ideas? We know there are very few completely original ideas and artwork out there. Many...
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Image of student artwork with sponge bob
Article

What Does Visual Culture Look Like in the Elementary Art Room?

What is Visual Culture? In Kerry Freedman’s book, Teaching Visual Culture: Curriculum, Aesthetics, and the Social Life of Art,  she...
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Image of student example of portraits
Article

How to Engage Your Students’ Portrait Superpowers

Portraits are a staple of almost every art curriculum. There are several ways to approach this project at each grade...
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Image of the outdoors
Article

5 Examples of Personal Interests to Share in the Classroom

As an educator, you know so much of teaching is building relationships with your students. Once students know you care...
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Image of student workin on artwork
Article

5 Ways to Make Cross-Curricular Connections

Cross-curricular planning is a philosophy in education that attempts to put an end to isolated instruction and learning. As art...
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image of art supplies in classroom
Article

5 Tips to Make Changing Grade Levels Positive

If you are changing grade levels this school year, you may be experiencing a bit of anxiety mixed with excitement....
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