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
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  • Assessment
  • Classroom Management
  • Curriculum
  • Instructional Strategies
  • News
  • Professionalism
  • Studio Practices
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  • 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
Article

What’s It Like to Be an Art Teacher at a Montessori School?

I’m glad you asked! Many art educators teach in what we call ‘traditional’ art education roles at public or private...
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Article

We’ve Flipped This Lesson For You!

Did you know there is more than one way to flip your art room? In the AOE online class Flipping...
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Article

AOE LIVE: Episode 8: “A Blueprint for STEAM Education” with Cassidy Reinken

  Cassidy Reinken stopped by the show tonight to talk about making art a vital part of a STEAM education....
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Article

How to Stand up or Yourself When Respect Seems Like an Uphill Battle

I’ll never forget the first time I had to stand up for myself at work. Our entire building was undergoing...
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Article

Why Rubrics Deserve a Second Look

Today we welcome a guest post by AOE’s Educational Director Heather Crockett who is going to let us in on...
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Article

5 Things to Consider When Setting Up Your Art Room

Setting up the art room is one of my favorite parts of starting a new school year. It is a...
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Article

Will I “Flip” Myself Out of a Job?

Today we welcome a guest post by art educator Johanna Russell who is a self-proclaimed “Flipper” (an art teacher who...
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Article

AOE LIVE: Episode 7: “Finding Your Sweet Spot at Home and at Work” with AOE Founder Jessica Balsley

  Tim and Andrew were joined by founder of AOE, Jessica Balsley, as they get the inside scoop on what...
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Video

Learn to Say No! The One Question to Ask Yourself When Making Any Decision

Every time you have to decide whether or not you will take on a task or opportunity your brain enters...
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Article

Don’t Buy the Starving Artist Syndrome: A Message to Every Creative Young Person

“Art is hard.” “You can’t make money in the arts.” “If you choose an art career, you’d better have a...
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Article

Never Run Out of Supplies Again! Align Your Supply Order With Your Curriculum

We’ve all been there. You are sitting in the middle of a glaze project and you run out! To get...
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Article

AOE LIVE: Episode 6: “Let Your Students ‘Run the Show’: Amazing Art Show Tips” with Kristin Stephens

  Incredible art teacher Kristin Stephens shared with the guys her method of putting on a successful student-run art show....
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