About the Author

Jessica Balsley

Hello. I’m Jessica Balsley, Founder of The Art of Education University. My husband Derek and I founded The Art of Education in 2011 to help art teachers around the world access higher quality professional development.

Before founding AOE, I was a K-5 Art Teacher, K-12 Professional Development Coordinator, and Graduate Instructor. I am passionate about helping art teachers perform at a high level, both professionally and personally.

The opposite of boredom is passion. When you are passionate about what you do, you are unstoppable. The Art of Education University exists to help teachers at every stage of their career reignite their passion for and confidence towards teaching. It’s my mission to lead this organization to produce high-quality professional development that is relevant and accessible. 

Posts by Jessica

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Article

How to Manage Change With a Leadership Mindset

Change is a constant in life, but that doesn’t make it easy. Change is hard for everyone. The upcoming school...
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Article

Introducing FLEX Curriculum by The Art of Education University

  Hello, I’m Jessica Balsley, Founder and President at The Art of Education University (AOEU). I remember my first years...
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Article

Introducing a Master’s Degree From The Art of Education University

Hello, I’m Jessica Balsley, Founder of The Art of Education University (AOEU). During my second year of teaching art, I...
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apples in a row
Article

What It Means to Be a Lifelong Learner

You probably entered the field of education, in part, because you love to learn. That thirst for new knowledge is...
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Video

Making a Picture Schedule

For more videos like this, subscribe to AOEU on YouTube.
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checklist for teachers
Article

How to Be Taken Seriously as a Young Art Teacher

Youth is a positive thing. Young teachers have energy, haven’t been jaded by the system yet, and genuinely want to...
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Class flow chart
Article

Craft Your Perfect PD Plan With This Helpful Tool

Making the decision to start something can be the most difficult step in any new process. Once the decision is...
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Video

The One Question to Ask Yourself When Setting Professional Goals

Time flies when you are having fun (as an art teacher!). At the start of your career, you probably had...
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hands typing on a keyboard
Article

10 Things Art Teachers Don’t Need to Do, but Really Should

Sometimes the ‘non-essentials’ are actually the most important things we do. Let me explain. Sure, we must submit grades, show...
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Video

A Simple Trick to Make Time for Each of Your Students

It can be difficult to find time to visit with individual students during the rush of a busy art class...
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Summary of New Standards
Article

How to Revamp Curriculum to Meet the National Visual Art Standards

A question we hear often is, “How are actual schools around the country using the National Visual Art Standards to...
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Video

Preparing for Perfect Pointillism Projects

When teaching specific art styles like Pointillism or Impressionism, the focus is often on the ‘wow factor’ of the final product....
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