About the Author

Mariana VanDerMolen

Hi! My name is Mariana VanDerMolen, and I am a writer for the AOEU Magazine. I have been involved with Art Education for five plus years and have taught art from grades K–8. Real-life skills, language learning strategies, and therapeutic practices lie at the heart of my instruction.

In 2020, I turned to AOEU courses to get my bearings in the world of virtual instruction. This turned into two years of honing my instructional practices, teaching philosophy, and research skills through the AOEU Master’s Program. With my degree in hand and the confidence I have built, I am eager to help you in any way I can!

When I am not writing or teaching, I like to use my aesthetic instincts to design and decorate the interior of my home. Visual journaling, scrapbooking, and video editing are other ways my creativity shines! You will often find me reading, spending quality time with my cat, or exploring the various corners of the tropical island I call home.

I am excited to be a part of the AOEU team, and I look forward to growing with you!

Posts by Mariana

Content Type
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  • Podcast
  • Video
Topic
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  • Assessment Design
  • Assessment Implementation
  • Expectations
  • Physical Space
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  • Curriculum Design
  • Differentiation
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  • Professional Learning
  • Professional Practice
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  • Creativity
  • Media & Techniques
derek fordjour
Article

How to Build a Vibrant Art Community to Support Your Creative Practice

Raise your hand if you’re the stereotypical tortured artist type. The image of the solitary artist, working away in isolation,...
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printing ink
Article

5 Remarkable Gel Plate Printing Techniques for You To Master This Summer

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

10 Must-Have Thrifted Items to Elevate Your Art Room on a Budget

“Reduce, reuse, recycle” could easily be the art teachers’ mantra. Art teachers are renowned for their resourcefulness. You are always...
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misc art materials
Article

Build a Creative Practice That Sticks By Harnessing the 4 Laws of Atomic Habits

Albert Einstein knew what he was talking about when he said, “Creativity is contagious. Pass it on.” One of the...
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rainbow art room
Article

Art Teacher Cribs: Curate Spaces to Boost Your Mood and Mental Health

Level with us—can you name your next design project off the top of your head? Your visual nature and the...
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drawing
Article

Art Room All-Stars: 12 Superlatives to Lighten Up Your End-of-Year Mood

Roll out the red carpet! It’s time to celebrate the end of another great year with an awards ceremony—art teacher...
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coffee filters
Article

16 Art Bulletin Boards to Do Now to Jumpstart Anticipation for Next School Year

Your future art teacher self is one project away from owing you one! As the school year draws to a...
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final blackout poems
Article

From Text to Powerful Art: How to Explore Blackout Poetry in Your 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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Benke
Article

12 Art and Poem Pairings to Inspire Creative Expression in Your 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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goals
Article

Get the Scoop: AOEU Insider Tips For Your Next Art Education Conference

Do you need a little pick-me-up to keep your art teacher energy rolling? The good news is there’s a conference...
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teacher on laptop
Article

4 Tips and 12 Ideas to Help Traveling Art Teachers Who Teach at Multiple Schools

Two heads may be better than one, but are two schools? Imagine stepping into multiple school environments on a daily...
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wooden craft sticks
Article

46 Early Finisher Activities to Boost Creativity in Your Elementary Art Room

“I’m done! What do I do now?” You’ve heard it more times than you’d like to count. Around this eager,...
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