Art Works for Teachers

STEAM That Speaks: Using the Arts to Solve Real-World Problems

20 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textStudents shine when learning feels connected... and the results are remarkable. In this episode of Art Works for Teachers, Sally Baker t...

The Trust Recession

13 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textIn today’s digital world, even a friend’s post might not be what it seems. As AI-generated content floods our feeds, Susan explores ...

The Science of Dreaming Big

05 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThink the future is something we have to invent? Think again. Astrobiofuturist Billy Almon shows us how nature’s own designs hold the ...

Small Actions, Big Change: The Shift Schools Can't Afford to Miss

30 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textSometimes the smallest shifts make the biggest difference. Stand Tall Steve Bollar shares how simple, consistent actions can transform s...

Authentic Leadership: How Humor and Humanity Build Stronger Schools

24 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textTeaching and leading can be messy... but also full of joy. In this episode, we hear from Dr. Tracey Severns about how humor, vulnerabili...

Brainstorming without Bias: Tools for the Next Generation of Creators

16 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textGreat ideas don’t come from the loudest voice in the room. In this episode, creativity expert Birna Birgisdóttir shares how teachers ...

Creativity in Action: Turning Ideas into Results

09 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textCreativity takes shape when we take action, navigate doubt, and practice trusting our ideas. In this episode, Dr. Zorana Pringle explore...

When Struggle Becomes Strength

02 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textOur students’ future depends on more than test scores. Stanford's Jo Boaler is with us to reveal why struggle is the secret ingre...

Are You Solving the Wrong Problem?

25 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textWhat if the reason your lessons (or your students’ projects) fall flat isn’t the solution, but the problem itself? We're explor...

Every Day is a School Day

18 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textTeacher communication shapes how lessons land, how parents engage, and how colleagues collaborate. This week, Susan and Paul unpack prov...

Evolution or Revolution? A New Path for Creativity in Schools

11 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textBig changes in education often fail because they come in like a revolution... loud, disruptive, and exhausting. Cyndi Burnett invites us...

The Secret Ingredient to Student Creativity

04 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textIf you’re ready to finally see creativity as a teachable, practical skill (and discover the simple shift that could change the way you...

Future-Proofing Students: Teaching Creativity for an Uncertain World

28 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThe future is full of unknowns, so how do we prepare students for challenges we can’t yet see? April Michele, Executive Director of Fu...

The Mindset Flip: How to Truly Become the Leader You Want to Be

21 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textIn a world that values "human doings" over "human beings," this episode challenges the traditional focus on achievem...

Education at the Edge: Teaching in a Time of Uncertainty

14 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThere’s a growing sense among educators that something fundamental isn’t working... but most of us don’t have the time, space, or ...

The Brave Art of Teaching

07 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textWhat does it really take to lead creative work under pressure and how do we help students do the same? In this episode, we unpack the rh...

Can Testing and Creativity Coexist?

31 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textIs it possible to honor both creativity and accountability in today’s test-driven schools? In this episode, Harvard psychometrician Dr...

Jumpstart Creative Thinking from Day One

24 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textEver notice how your best ideas come when you’re short on time? This episode flips the script on creativity and shows why setting limi...

Creativity Isn't One-Size-Fits-All

17 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textToo many kids think they’re “bad at art” when really, they just haven’t been shown how to trust their own taste. Illustrator And...

Now What? Funding for When Funding Disappears

10 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textWith major funding shifts underway, many educators are asking, “What now?” In this vital episode, Susan shares practical, creative w...

Build Systems that Stick: Stop Chasing the Next Big Thing

03 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textTired of chasing the latest tech trend only to see it fade? In this episode, Jeff Bradbury shares how he went from orchestra conductor t...

Yes, And... Is Not What You Think

26 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textIf you’ve ever wondered what improv comedy, creative problem-solving, and health education have in common, this episode will blow your...

Curiosity: The Quiet Superpower

19 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textToo often, we treat feedback like a threat and creativity like a talent. But what if the real key to both is something far simpler... an...

Creativity Isn't Magic, It's a Method

12 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThink creativity is just for the “artsy” types? Think again. In this game-changing episode, Dr. Amy Climer dismantles the myths arou...

The Secret Life of an Idea: How Creativity Really Works

05 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textWhat if ideas had their own life stories? In this episode, Harvard researcher Edward Clapp reveals how creativity really works, and why ...

The Ungraded Classroom: Where Meaning Replaces Measurement

29 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textWhat if removing grades could actually deepen student learning? In this episode, educator Arthur Chiaravalli shares his journey toward &...

Joy as a Teaching Strategy

22 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textWhat do dancing, disruption, and hip-hop have to do with school? Everything. Aysha Upchurch invites us to rethink how we show up in clas...

The Principal Path: Clarity, Culture, & Connection

15 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textMost school leaders didn’t plan to end up in this role... and neither did Darrin Peppard. But what he discovered along the way might j...

Beyond the Eyeroll: Overcoming Resistance

08 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textOvercoming resistance is a sign you’re on the right track, not a setback. In this episode, learn why resistance to arts integration, S...

Belonging Starts with Listening

01 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textWhat does it really take to make every student feel seen and valued? Dr. Sheldon Eakins challenges us to examine the way we build connec...

Open-Hearted Mistake Making: Shifting from Shame to Curiosity

24 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textWhat if your classroom was a place where it felt safe to be wrong? In this heart-opening episode, we explore the power of open-hearted m...

Testing Creativity: 4 Models to Explore

17 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textReady to rethink how we assess creativity in the classroom? In this episode of Artworks for Teachers, Susan Riley takes you on a journey...

Why Not? Making Space for Makerspaces

10 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textWhat if instead of asking why, you started asking why not? Educational technology coach Jesus Huerta is with us this week to share how ...

The Science of Reading & the Arts

03 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThe Science of Reading is backed by decades of research, yet much of it has remained disconnected from classroom instruction... until no...

Leading with Vision: Creating Meaningful Change in Education

27 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textFrom the power of classroom presence to the game-changing potential of technology and AI, Justin Baeder is here to unpack how leaders ca...

Ready, Fire, Aim! A New Mindset for Seeing Success

20 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textEver feel like you’re stuck in planning mode, waiting for the perfect moment to take action? In this episode of Art Works for Teachers...

Have Confidence and Have Fun

13 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAs a first-generation American, Edwin Lovo knows firsthand the barriers many students face in accessing the arts... and he’s on a miss...

Revolutionizing Classrooms: How Self-Paced Learning Transforms Education

06 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textFrom his early days teaching in Washington, DC, to launching the Modern Classrooms Project, guest Rob Barnett has seen firsthand the cha...

The Future of Teaching

27 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textWhat would happen if teachers had more support to truly make a difference in their classrooms? Kimberly Eckert shares her perspective on...

Mission Impossible: Unrealistic Expectations for Teachers

20 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textTeachers are expected to be miracle workers—juggling overcrowded classrooms, shrinking budgets, endless paperwork, and ever-increasing...

The Science Behind Arts Integration

13 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textScience is finally catching up to what great teachers have known all along - creativity is the secret to deeper learning. In this episod...

Beyond the Score: Supporting Students through Testing Season

06 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textStandardized testing season is on the horizon... but do we really need it? In this episode, Susan unpacks the frustrations, hidden agend...

Integrated Learning: Teaching, Learning, Leading

30 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textWhat if creativity and connection held the key to solving education's toughest challenges? Susan sits down with Kate Cassada and Ro...

Let Them: 3 Takeaways for Teachers

23 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textIn this episode of Artworks for Teachers, Susan Riley unpacks the "Let Them Theory," offering strategies to empower students w...

Finding Funds to Fuel Creativity

16 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textStruggling to fund your arts integration or STEAM efforts? This episode of Artworks for Teachers busts the myth that there’s no money ...

Year on a Page

09 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textReady to start the year with purpose and focus? In this episode of Artworks for Teachers, Susan Riley shares how to kick off the school ...

Sparking Curiosity & Creativity through Math

02 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textEver thought math was boring? Cindy Lawrence once felt the same—until she became the Executive Director of the National Museum of Math...

Celebrations Discovery Lab

19 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAs December unfolds, many of us are holding on for dear life, navigating the complexities of a hectic year and the end-of-year buzz. If ...

The Power of a Penny

12 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textFrom fun exercises like drawing a penny to strategies that slow down fast-paced thinking, you’ll learn how to help students notice the...

More Learning, Less Stress

05 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textMore learning, less stress – sounds impossible, right? Discover how to reclaim your joy for teaching, connect deeply with your student...

The Role of Arts in Human Growth

21 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textGuest Genein Letford takes us on a journey through the mind-body connection and how creativity is at the heart of it all. She shares her...

Deepening Understanding through Poetry

14 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textWhat if poetry was more than words? In this episode, we explore poetry as a powerful connector across disciplines, weaving together art,...

3 Frames for Creative Teaching

07 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAs winter settles in, many of us are feeling both the calm and the chaos that come with it. In the classroom, keeping students focused t...

Integrating Theatre into Everyday Learning

31 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textDiscover how integrating theater not only empowers students through collaboration and creativity but also fosters empathy, all while emp...

Arts Integration Strategies: Taking the Next Step

24 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textSusan is back and sharing more practical strategies to engage students, highlighting how to connect current events to classroom learning...

The Secret to STEAM Success

17 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textDiscover how a chance tour of a local school led us to create an 8-step system you can use to build your dream STEAM program. 

Why Education Needs Rebels (Not Rule Followers)

10 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textIn this episode, Danny, the Chief Ruckus Maker, shares his inspiring journey as a storyteller and educator. He discusses the importance ...

Curiosity, Culture, and the Future of Innovation

03 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textJoin culture futurist Theo Edmonds as he reveals how creativity drives innovation and systems change. He introduces Creativity America a...

The Wild Robot

26 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textTune in this week for an exciting episode featuring Peter Brown, the mastermind behind The Wild Robot, hitting theaters tomorrow! Peter ...

Math Through the Eyes of an Artist

19 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThis week, we're (re-)exploring the powerful connection between math and art with educator Ruth Byrne, using Froebel’s Gifts, a s...

A New Approach to School Leadership

12 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textTired of traditional leadership? Discover Buildership! Learn how to transform your school into a place where every student can thrive. J...

Digital Creativity in Education

05 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textOn this week's episode, educator Adam Hyman shares his unique journey from working with the New York Mets to becoming a seasoned ed...

Beyond the Boundaries

29 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textIn this episode, we chat with Nina Kenny McCray, founder of Arts Without Boundaries, about her mission to bring quality arts education t...

Building Confidence for Women in STEAM

22 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textIn this episode, Haley Haas and Stephanie Kidd explore the crucial role of creativity in STEM fields, sharing personal stories and pract...

Honoring the Introverts in your Classroom

15 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThis week, Susan explores the challenges faced by introverted students in a world that often values extroverted traits, questioning whet...

Building a Back-to-School Mindset

08 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textIt's mid-August, which means teachers everywhere are experiencing that familiar mix of excitement and anxiety as back-to-school sea...

The Creativity Coach: Your AI Secret Weapon

01 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textEver dreamed of an extra pair of hands to help with lesson planning, classroom management, or creating assessments? Imagine brainstormin...

Leading Schools in a New Era: Engaging Today's Students

25 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textIs your classroom full of disengaged students? Dr. PJ Caposey, school leader extraordinaire, joins us to discuss the challenges of educa...

Why Creativity is the Key to Wellbeing

18 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textJoin Dr. Girija Kaimal as she explores how artistic expression enhances our health and wellbeing, helping us connect with our emotions a...

Exploring the Creative Side of Science

11 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textWhether you're a seasoned teacher or just looking for new ways to spark a love of learning, this episode is full of inspiration and...

Summer Summit Sneak Peek

27 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textSusan is back this week with a look at our upcoming Summer Summit, which is offering both livestreamed and on-demand sessions on relevan...

The Secret Song: Embracing Musicality in Every Classroom

20 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textFrom his impactful TED Talk to his poignant final year of teaching documented in the documentary "The Secret Song," Doug Goodk...

Moments that Matter: Unlocking Potential in Education

13 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textKeynote speaker and author Clint Pulver is here to share insights from his book "I Love It Here" and his experiences as an und...

Building STEAM Structures & Organization

06 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textWhile there are no strict rules, certain strategies can significantly ease the implementation of STEAM activities.  In this episode, we...

Curriculum Revision Support Tools

30 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textSusan is back to breathe new life into your curriculum by coordinating themes, incorporating inquiry-based learning, and using arts inte...

Embracing Inclusivity: Conversations on Identity in Education

23 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textFrom fostering inclusivity to practical strategies for engaging in uncomfortable conversations, this episode offers actionable advice fo...

Don't Wait for Perfection

16 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAuthor & strategist Courtney Kenney shares her journey of leaving the corporate world to pursue her writing passion. Learn how to em...

Banish Boredom with these Creative Exercises

09 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textStuck in a creative rut? We've got solutions! Susan is back offering practical exercises you can do yourself and use with your stud...

Essential Arts Integration Supplies

02 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textIn this week's episode, discover the essential supplies for arts integration! From traditional favorites to newer, innovative tools...

Can You Really Change Your Brain?

25 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textIf you're stuck in a rut, this episode is for you. Learn how to upgrade your brain with Dr. Jon Finn, the Habit Mechanic! In this e...

The 4 Branches of Creativity

18 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textForget the "light bulb!" moment. This week, Susan unveils the 4 branches of creativity and discusses how anyone can tap their ...

The Transformative Power of Appreciation

11 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThis inspiring episode takes you inside the halls of a leadership style where appreciation and collaboration pave the way for a thriving...

Can You Imagine? 2 Exercises to Strengthen Your Creative Practice

04 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textIn a world where 100 years of progress is now happening in 4 years or less, is what we're teaching in schools even effective anymor...

Arts Integration Lesson Audits

28 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textIn this episode, Susan will help you to distinguish between true arts integration and simple arts enhancement in lesson plans using two ...

The Power of the Enneagram

21 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textWant to connect better with your students, team, or family?  Unlock the secrets of human behavior with the Enneagram.  In this episode...

Beyond the Blame Game: Why We Need to Support Our Teachers

14 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textDiscover insights from Jen Schwanke as she navigates the challenges faced by teachers, advocating for support and understanding in educa...

Tearing Down the Walls: Why One Size Doesn't Fit All in Education Part II

07 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textIn part two of our interview with the Godmother of Differentiation, Carol Tomlinson, she tackles  the common misconceptions surrounding...

Tearing Down the Walls: Why One Size Doesn't Fit All in Education Part I

29 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textGet ready to connect on a personal level as author Carol Tomlinson shares her three pillars for differentiation. Through her inspiration...

How to Build Buy-in for Arts Integration and STEAM

22 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textIn this behind-the-scenes coaching call, you'll hear 2 specific strategies to make getting buy-in for arts integration or STEAM eas...

Arts Integration Specialists: Journeys Revealed

15 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textToday, we're introducing you to 9 of our Arts Integration Certification™ alumni so they can share their journeys with you. If you...

Celebrating Black Artistry through Music

08 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textToday's episode features Ashleigh Gordon. Ashleigh is co-founder, Artistic Director and violist of Castle of our Skins, a Boston-ba...

The Mosaic Method: 4 Steps to Create an Arts Integration Experience

01 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textWant to create an arts integrated experience, but are worried that you a.) don't know how or b.) it's too complicated? In toda...

Unexpected Opportunities

25 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textHave you ever felt like you're more than an educator? That you have other passions you'd like to pursue? In today's episo...

How to Love Your Career, Again.

18 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textFrustrated, overwhelmed, and worried that teaching isn't the career for you anymore? In this episode, Susan Riley is sharing a 7-st...

Is it Worth the Effort? How to Make Change In Difficult Times

11 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textChange is all around us in education. But how do you know if the change is worth it or not? In a time of division and stress in K-12 sch...

4 Creative Activities to Ease Into the New Year

04 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textIf you're headed back into the classroom after a long break, you know how challenging it can be to get back into a routine. In this...

Empathic Partners: School Leaders and Teachers

21 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textIn his latest book, The Principal as Chief Empathy Officer: Creating a Culture Where Everyone Grows, author and former school administra...

Design Thinking Strategies for the Holidays

14 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textTry using these 3 Design Thinking strategies as a framework for relevant and fun projects in your classroom during the hectic holiday se...

A Hero's Journey in Education

07 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textWith so many difficult circumstances in education right now, we need a hero. In this candid episode, Susan shares 3 examples of everyday...

From Enhancement to Integration

30 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textHow do you know if you're using arts enhancement or arts integration? And if you're using arts enhancement, how do you move to...