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
  • 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
Georgia O'Keefe
Article

9 Self-Care Tips From Famous Artworks to Help You Love Yourself Better

The most crucial love affair you will ever have is with yourself! The wear and tear of your profession often...
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landscape
Article

6 Proven Reasons to Love Choice-Based Art and Try It in Your Art Room

Roses are red, and violets are blue; your students love choice, and soon so will you. In this season of...
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ceiling of paper lanterns
Article

How to Effectively Save Mental Time and Energy Using Circles of Control

Being an art teacher is no walk under twinkly holiday lights! The new year is here, and this reality is...
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notepad and pens
Article

Set Achievable Art Teacher Goals for a New Year With Confidence

How many times have you seen, heard, or said, “New year, new me!” at this time of year? With a...
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texture plates
Article

9 Genius Ways to Use Glue to Expertly Enhance Your Art Room

Glue is a staple for any art room, and it’s easy to see why. It comes in a variety of...
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sculpture
Article

10 Hilarious “It’s Like They Know Us” Scenarios Art Teachers Face All Too Often

Being an art teacher is a little like being a unicorn—you are colorful, magical, and a bit mysterious. In the...
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student journals
Article

26 Fantastic A-to-Z Reasons to Be a Thankful Art Teacher

With your hustle and bustle art teacher lifestyle, it’s easy to lose sight of why your job is fantastic. Your...
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painted trash cans
Article

12 Terrific DIY Projects for Your Art Room to Get Started On Immediately

You see it. You like it. You want it. You make it. This is how it goes for the Do...
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art room
Article

21 Fabulous Tips and Tricks to Match Your Art Room Organization Style

Take this quiz to find out what art room organization style best fits you! Just kidding—this isn’t an actual quiz....
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students posing
Article

50 Fresh Call and Responses to Use in Your Art Classroom Today

Alright, art teachers, hocus pocus, everybody focus! It’s time to look at how you get your students’ attention in class....
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students making art
Article

Try Restorative Justice Strategies to Foster Relationships in Your Art Class

The following article is written by an art educator. We recognize that art teachers are not licensed therapists or counselors....
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paper feathers
Article

How to Expertly Set Up and Use Fundraising Platforms to Grow Your Art Program

How much of your own money have you spent on your classroom this year? It’s no secret that the funds...
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