About the Author

Nicholas Gehl

My name is Nick Gehl, and after a few years working in various locations, I’ve made a home at a high school in Evanston, Illinois. After teaching at the high school level for several years, I transitioned into administration and now work as the Department Chair of Fine Arts. I received my undergraduate degree in Art Education from Augustana College (Rock Island, IL) and my master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University (River Forest, IL).

It’s been a pleasure working with arts teachers to help increase engagement in the arts and create unique learning opportunities for all students. My professional interests span a number of areas including arts leadership, curriculum and professional development, the student experience, school culture, and organizational practices in the building. I have found the most success when I can partner with arts teachers to create new opportunities for students, even when doing so disrupts traditional school structures.

Outside of the building, I live with my partner and our daughter, who is growing up too fast. We like spending time in the neighborhoods of Chicago and enjoying long weekends at a lake in Wisconsin. I also spend a lot of time training for triathlons and other running and swimming events. It’s been fun setting individual goals, and there is no better way for me to process my ideas.

Art education to me is about developing the habits of mind and practices that will help all of our students grow as people and professionals, regardless of their chosen field. The ability to understand a problem, think of multiple solutions, evaluate the best idea, and then execute it will help all of our students grow to be change agents in the future. I am excited to be a part of the AOEU team and look forward to connecting with so many art educators.

Professional Achievements:

Augustana College Bachelor’s Degree (2005)

Concordia University Master’s Degree (2008)