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

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
Video

Is Your Paper Cutter A Huge Safety Hazard?

Hazards in the art room exist. From smelly paints to sharp objects, safety should always be in the back of...
Learn More
Article

I’m an Art Teacher – and Proud of it!

If you had to define our role as art educators in a few short words or images, how would you...
Learn More
Article

The Unexpected “Perks” of Being an Art Teacher

It’s really easy to focus on the negatives of teaching art. Large class sizes, other teachers always asking to borrow...
Learn More
Video

Do You Know the “Classroom Management Secret?” – Book Review

Classroom management isn’t going away. No matter how many years you’ve been teaching, a new tip or two never hurts!...
Learn More
Article

7 Smart Safety Tips for the Pregnant Art Teacher

Last week we received a reader-question from an art teacher and newly expecting mom, in Texas. Since about half of...
Learn More
Article

Using Limitations to Spark Creativity

Our ability to create is the most powerful tool we have… Limitations may be the most unlikely places to harness...
Learn More
Video

A Bookmaking Project You Actually Have Time For

My favorite art education professor (from undergrad) was actually a bookmaker, so I had a chance to dive deep into...
Learn More
Article

3 Simple Tips to Make Tracking Student Growth Manageable

I just got off the phone with a dedicated teacher of 20+ years from Ohio.  As you may know, Ohio...
Learn More
Video

Take a Seat – Chairs vs. Stools in the Art Room

As if art supplies weren’t distraction enough for our students, the clanking, screeching and tipping of furniture in the art...
Learn More
Article

Who Else Wants to Better Serve Their Students With Special Needs?

A group of students walk into your room, eager to begin art class, when one of the students comes up...
Learn More
Video

The Coolest Personality Inventory Ever – The Essential Enneagram

Personality typologies are pretty fun. I always enjoy a chance to fill one out and hopefully learn something about myself,...
Learn More
Article

The Best Dressed Art Teacher You’ve Ever Seen!

No, this isn’t an article about the latest in fashion trends, but it IS about clothing AND art education- Go...
Learn More