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

Why Not…Start a Simple, Ongoing Collaborative Project?

With packed schedules, the thought of embarking on a collaborative project can seem daunting. Plus, there is the question of...
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Article

11 Things Successful Teachers Do on the Weekend

The end of the day on Friday seems like the end of a long marathon. Exhaustion sets in, and you...
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Article

When Teacher Envy Creeps In, Remember to Think Like a Minimalist

Teacher envy is an evil force with the power to take over your confidence. You’re exploring blogs, you’re browsing Pinterest, and...
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Article

How to Pare Down Your Paintbrushes

Because minimalism means ‘paring down to the essentials’ let’s ask ourselves, “What is essential when it comes to the supplies...
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Article

Help Your ELL Students in Art Class With These Simple Steps

I will never forget one of my sweetest 1st grade students. Picture this: It was my first year of teaching...
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Article

How to Survive a Day in the Classroom While Sick

First of all, if you are sick, you should probably stay home! There is no badge of honor for having...
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Article

5 Items in Your Desk You Can Throw Away Right Now!

If sorting art supplies and student work isn’t enough, there is another important area to maintain in the art room,...
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Article

Where Are You on the Choice Spectrum?

Participants in our Choice Based Art Education class walk through three really important processes. Discovering where they stand today on...
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Article

Why Not… Introduce Your Students to Tinsmithing!

I truly believe the media we present to students has a great impact on their enthusiasm for class. It’s great...
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Article

10 Simple Ways to Spice Up and Streamline Your Art Curriculum

Writing curriculum can be a daunting and boring process, but it doesn’t have to be! Remembering that your curriculum is always...
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Article

Warm Up This Winter With 10 Essential Clay Tips

In my art room, I chose to start the majority of my clay projects in January. It was great to...
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Article

Beyond Glorified Babysitters: Jaw-Dropping Names Art Teachers Are Called

Each time I walked into a staff meeting in my building, I made a beeline for the table in the...
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