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

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
student work
Assessment Design

Take an Individualized Approach to High School Grading

Art of Education Magazine & Media Article
Matt with projector
Physical Space

Six Unique Ways to Use Your Projector in the Art Room

Art of Education Magazine & Media Article
Assessment Implementation

How to Run a Critique Battle in Your Art Room!

Art of Education Magazine & Media Article
students showing complimentary colors
Assessment Design

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

Art of Education Magazine & Media Article
student artwork
Curriculum Approaches

An In-Depth Look at the Power of Arts Integration

Art of Education Magazine & Media Article
names in a bucket
Expectations

Why You Should Start Your Classes With a Question

Art of Education Magazine & Media Article
2 pieces of student work with strong messages
Curriculum Design

A Powerful Painting Project That Amplifies Student Voice

Art of Education Magazine & Media Article
summative design
Curriculum Design

A Look at an Engaging High School Visual Arts Curriculum

Art of Education Magazine & Media Article
student choosing song
Expectations

How to Improve Your Classroom Culture With The Music List

Art of Education Magazine & Media Article
sketch into final piece
Engagement

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

Art of Education Magazine & Media Article
students painting the mural
Media & Techniques

12 Key Steps to Leading Amazing Mural Projects

Art of Education Magazine & Media Article
student graffiti work
Curriculum Design

Why You Need to Teach Graffiti in Your Art Room

Art of Education Magazine & Media Article