About the Author

Matt Christenson

Hello! My name is Matt Christenson, and I’ve been teaching visual arts and mural design for over ten years at City Arts and Technology High School in San Francisco, California. The majority of the amazing students I work with are living in impoverished conditions and are overcoming traumatic circumstances. My classes promote engaging curriculum, independent learning, open-ended problem solving, communicating with an audience, as well as an inclusive culture of collaboration. I have led over thirty mural projects with students and adults on the walls of our school and at numerous other neighborhood locations.

Outside of school, I can often be found walking my dog along the Pacific Ocean, disc golfing, hiking, reading, painting, riding my bike, and running around Northern California.

I’m really excited to join AOE and hope to stimulate artist teacher ideas, interests, and discussions!

Posts by Matt

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student work
Article

Take an Individualized Approach to High School Grading

Teachers often remark that grading is their least favorite part of teaching. It can be time-consuming and may seem ineffective. However,...
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Matt with projector
Article

Six Unique Ways to Use Your Projector in the Art Room

Most art teachers primarily use projectors to introduce lessons or show famous artwork. However, there are many other ways you...
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Article

How to Run a Critique Battle in Your Art Room!

Are you looking for a way to make critiques more fun and engaging for students? Why not make a game...
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students showing complimentary colors
Article

Bring On the Benefits of 1-on-1 Conferencing!

One of the most powerful teaching methods for boosting student comprehension is the 1-on-1 conference. Conferencing is not when you...
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student artwork
Article

An In-Depth Look at the Power of Arts Integration

Art education is riddled with frameworks and philosophies. However, there is one approach encompassing the best of all art education...
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names in a bucket
Article

Why You Should Start Your Classes With a Question

How do you begin class each day? Is it a “do-now” activity? Do you read the agenda, objectives, and outcomes...
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2 pieces of student work with strong messages
Article

A Powerful Painting Project That Amplifies Student Voice

Getting students to make authentic, powerful pieces can sometimes be difficult. Students may not want to share their deep feelings...
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summative design
Article

A Look at an Engaging High School Visual Arts Curriculum

When you have the chance to design your own curriculum, it’s easy to get stuck. There’s just so much you...
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student choosing song
Article

How to Improve Your Classroom Culture With The Music List

Other than playing on cell phones, I can’t think of anything students love more than listening to music. I wish...
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sketch into final piece
Article

How to Make Your Own Art and Teaching Tools at the Same Time

Are you getting ready to jump into some much-needed summer art-making time? Are you interested in flipping some of your...
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students painting the mural
Article

12 Key Steps to Leading Amazing Mural Projects

Have you ever wanted to start a mural project? Does the process seem too complicated and unpredictable to begin? I...
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student graffiti work
Article

Why You Need to Teach Graffiti in Your Art Room

Editor’s Note: Today we welcome Matt Christenson to the AOE Writing Team! Matt is a high school art teacher from...
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