NOW CONFERENCE GUIDE
JANUARY 31 - FEBRUARY 2, 2025
WORLD-RENOWNED ARTISTS AND AUTHORS HAVE PRESENTED AT
RODRIGUEZ
DEVON
ROMERO
Winter 2025
NOW CONFERENCE
WELCOME TO THE WINTER 2025 NOW CONFERENCE!
Get the boost you need with PD just for art teachers! Use this guide to lead you through the conference and help bring your inspiration and new ideas directly into your classroom. You will be able to find sessions to reinvigorate your teaching and help you thrive for the rest of the year.
Inside, you’ll find note-taking (and doodling!) space for each presentation, creativity prompts, links that lead to further exploration, and much more! Sit back and relax. It’s going to be an incredible conference!
BEFORE THE EVENT
Set yourself up for success by making sure to check your tech, gather supplies, and grab snacks!
TECH CHECK!
The NOW Conference will take place on Zoom. Links are shared on the NOW Attendee Guide landing page and will be sent via email on the day of the event. Make sure you have a good wi-fi connection and can stream a Zoom meeting on your device.
GET SET!
To ensure a relaxing day, spend a few minutes gathering the following materials ahead of time:
• A sketchbook, paper, and a few fun artmaking materials.
• Your favorite drawing tool for making sketches and taking notes.
• Headphones to eliminate distractions.
• Snacks and drinks to keep your energy up.
• A pre-packed lunch you can grab quickly during one of our breaks.
KICKOFF
January 31
7 p.m. – 9 p.m. CT
Kick off the NOW Conference with Tim and Amanda for an evening of artmaking, community, games, and prizes!
MAIN EVENT
February 1
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. CT
A full day of engaging learning from our presenters and keynote speaker.
AFTER PASS
24/7
Learn at your own pace, on your own time, with topics that are most relevant for you and your classroom.
For the full details of the Winter 2025 NOW Conference, visit artofed.info/NOW-Guide
Thanks to Our Sponsors
Giveaways will be announced during the Conference Kickoff and the Main Event!
(Note: you are automatically registered for giveaways and don’t need to be present to win.)
Don’t Miss the
NOW KICKOFF EVENT
Keepin’ It Surreal
Friday, January 31
7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Central Time
Amanda Heyn
@Amanda_Heyn
Tim Bogatz
@TimBogatz
As part of your NOW Conference registration, you are invited to the 2025 Winter NOW Conference Kickoff, hosted by Tim and Amanda!
Grab a drink and some snacks, and join other art teachers for a night of fun and relaxation. This event is free with your conference registration! We’ll send a Zoom link the day of the event. Just click to join and enjoy. Find all the details below!
HOUR 1 HOUR 2
THE MISSING MASTERPIECE
Join Tim and Amanda for a detective-themed evening of fun! We will have games, prizes, giveaways, and a mystery to solve!
ARTMAKING (BREAKOUT SESSIONS)
Take some time to make art for yourself! Take your pick:
• Exploring Creativity with Andrea Slusarski and Tim Bogatz (best for secondary)
• Papercutting and Froebel’s Gifts with Ruth Byrne and Amanda Heyn (best for elementary)
Where
Zoom! We’ll email you a link on the day of the event.
Why
Because we all deserve a break, some time for fun, and a chance to create!
THE ART OF ED COMMUNITY
A dedicated professional space for art teachers without the distraction of traditional social media.
The Art of Ed Community is a free online space for art teachers to discuss relevant topics, give and receive support, ask and answer questions, and share best practices. It aims to positively impact educators’ professional growth and find joy in teaching. Available on desktop or mobile apps, The Art of Ed Community helps mitigate loneliness and burnout.
1
Access Exclusive Ideas, Resources, and Support
The Art of Ed Community features discussions, content, and support teachers can’t find anywhere else. Find innovative ideas and strategies each visit!
3 Push the Field of Art Education Forward
Here, teachers can ask thoughtprovoking questions, challenge themselves to try new things, and contribute ideas and suggestions to AOEU content and products.
2
Boost Morale and Find Joy in Teaching
Designed to help teachers feel less alone and find joy in teaching, members can access monthly events, weekly prizes, daily discussion topics, and more.
4
Engage in a Professionally Moderated Space
Featuring robust community guidelines and moderated by AOEU team members, conversations in the community are positive and constructive.
community.theartofeducation.edu
THE MAIN EVENT
Live on Saturday, February 1
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Central Time
Note: Presentations and times are subject to change.
The NOW Conference Main Event is a day full of amazing presentations, and you get to experience them all! Remember—the conference After Pass is free with your registration. Every presentation, handout, and download is available for an entire year after the event has concluded! You get on-demand access 24/7/365.
HOUR 1
HOUR 2
Joel Scholten — Creating a Dream Drawing
Alicia Ferrell Innovative Strategies for Leveling Up Your Lessons
Don Masse — Powerful Advocacy Ideas for Your Art Program
ELEMENTARY
Ruth Byrne Using Johari Windows to Analyze Artwork and Prompt Inventive Artmaking
Catie Nasser — Creating Analog Vintage Video Games
Yvonne Lopez Taylor — Developing Literacy in the Art Classroom
SECONDARY
Melinda Moen & Wendy Kubiak — Creating Reduction Prints: A Step-by-Step Guide
Janell Matas — Moving Students Beyond the Sketch: Critical Thinking and Planning for All Media
Janet Taylor Bringing Student Voice Into Every Step of the Process
HOUR 3
HOUR 4
Roundtable — Developing Creative Confidence in Ourselves and Our Students
Chris Hodge The Importance of Boredom in the Art Room
Jen Leban & Todd Leban — How Artificial Intelligence is Affecting Art Education
Carrie Mae Weems — Keynote Presentation: Telling Stories with the Power of Art
Jenn Russell — Creating a More Welcoming Classroom Culture
HOUR 5
Abby Houston — How to Develop a Thriving Sketchbook Practice
Kyle Wood Quick Wins: 6 Easy and Impactful Lessons for Every Classroom
Lindsey Bailey — Incorporating Technology to Enhance Hands-On Artmaking
The After Pass—available immediately after the Main Event—will feature additional presentations for asynchronous learning. Find the lessons, ideas, resources, and artmaking opportunities that work best for you and your students!
Build Your PROFESSIONAL LEARNING NETWORK
One of the best parts of professional development is sharing your learning with others. Show us what you’re up to during the conference and connect with other attendees! First, find AOEU on social media!
SOCIAL MEDIA
TIKTOK: @theartofed
INSTAGRAM: @theartofed
FACEBOOK: The Art of Education University AOEU COMMUNITY: community. theartofeducation.edu
Then, tag us @theartofed and use the following hashtags to share with us and others! #NOWConference
Throughout the conference, you will hear about some of the other amazing offerings at AOEU. To follow along, make sure to check out these hashtags:
MASTER’S PROGRAM
#AOEUStudent
#AOEUGrad
#AOEUCourses
FLEX CURRICULUM #FLEXCurriculum
PRO LEARNING #PROLearning
Use this space to jot down the handles of presenters, attendees, or anything else you want to explore further!
Sketch originally inspired by Nic Hahn (@minimatisseart)
Carrie Mae Weems is a widely influential American artist whose work gives voice to people whose stories have been silenced or ignored. Over the course of 40 years, she has built an acclaimed body of work using photographs, text, fabric, audio, digital images, installation, and video. Since the 1980s, Weems’s work has been seen around the world, and she has inspired a generation of artists with her poetic and original approach to storytelling.
FOLLOW CARRIE
INSTAGRAM: @carriemaeweems
YOUTUBE CarrieMaeWeemsVideos
FEATURED PRESENTER
CARRIE MAE WEEMS
PRESENTATION
Telling Stories with the Power of Art
In her keynote presentation, she will share her own story and talk about the power of art, how we connect with history, and why art teachers play an important role in the lives of so many people.
NOTES
HOUR ONE
JOEL SCHOLTEN
Presentation: Creating a Dream Drawing
Social media: @scholtenart
Specific prompt: Write down 3-5 dreams that you remember well. Would any of those dreams be a good inspiration for an artwork?
Learning More: Check out the Dream Drawing lesson in FLEX and all of its related resources
ALICIA FERRELL
Presentation: Innovative Strategies for Leveling Up Your Lessons
Social media: @art.with.mrs.ferrell
Specific prompt: Think about one of the projects you have taught this year. How can you add layers of meaning, technology, or unexpected materials to make it more engaging for students?
Learning More: Games are another great way to engage students in the art room. Listen to this episode and to this one for some ideas.
DON MASSE
Presentation: Powerful Advocacy Ideas for Your Art Program
Social media: @shinebriteroom401, @shinebrite71
Specific prompt: List 3 ideas from Don’s presentation that could help your advocacy efforts. Which ideas could you implement most easily or effectively?
Learning More: Find a full month of advocacy ideas in this article and calendar
NOTES
HOUR TWO - ELEMENTARY
RUTH BYRNE
Presentation: Using Johari Windows to Analyze Artwork and Prompt Inventive Artmaking
Social media: @ruthbyralen
Specific prompt: Practice using a Johari Window to analyze your favorite artwork. How could you use the evidence in the boxes to write a summary interpreting the artwork?
Learning More: Help students analyze art with closelooking strategies found in this article
CATIE NASSER
Presentation: Creating Analog Vintage Video Games
Social media: @catnasser
Specific prompt: Design a video game level inspired by your favorite art movement. What would a Surrealism level look like? What about an Impressionism level?
Learning More: Read An Art Teacher’s Love Letter to Cardboard.
YVONNE LOPEZ TAYLOR
Presentation: Developing Literacy in the Art Classroom
Social media: @mslowpaz
Specific prompt: What are 3 literacy ideas from Yvonne that you can bring into your lessons immediately?
Learning More: Check out this article for more ways to bring literacy into the art room.
NOTES
HOUR TWO - SECONDARY
WENDY KUBIAK & MELINDA MOEN
Presentation: Creating Reduction Prints: A Step-by-Step Guide
Social media: @artofteaching (Melinda), @cactus.people (Wendy)
Specific prompt: Create 2-3 sketches that could be used for a reduction print.
Learning More: This Ask the Experts podcast on printmaking has a wonderful discussion and links to so many resources!
JANELL MATAS
Presentation: Moving Students Beyond the Sketch: Critical Thinking and Planning for All Media
Social media: @nnhsart, @janell_reamer_matas
Specific prompt: What are 3 ideation strategies that stood out to you? Consider how to model, practice, and implement one of these into your next lesson.
Learning More: Check out more ways to plan for artwork beyond sketching in this article.
JANET TAYLOR
Presentation: Bringing Student Voice Into Every Step of the Process
Social media: @jataylorartteach, @jataylorart
Specific prompt: Which of your lessons need more student voice? List 3 ideas for incorporating student voice somewhere in the artmaking process.
Learning More: Learn more about empowering student voice in Janet’s article How to Support Student Voice in 4 Steps.
NOTES
HOUR THREE
CANDIDO CRESPO, ANDREA SLUSARSKI &
SAM WASCHER
Presentation: Developing Creative Confidence in Ourselves and Our Students
Social media: @mrccrespo, @crespoarts (Candido), @drawingfromnature (Andrea), @swascher (Sam)
Specific prompt: Start a list of things you do every day that could be considered creative. Could this list be the starting point for a classroom discussion on creativity?
Learning More: Take a listen to this podcast with Andrea on The Psychology of Creativity.
CHRIS HODGE
Presentation: The Importance of Boredom in the Art Room
Social media: @cjhodgeart, @chodgeart
Specific prompt: Spend 5 minutes doing nothing but observing your surroundings. Afterward, create an artwork inspired by something you noticed or something that captured your attention.
Learning More: Read more about harnessing boredom in the art room in this article
TODD LEBAN & JEN LEBAN
Presentation: How Artificial Intelligence is Affecting Art Education
Social media: @themrsleban (Jen), @pictrola (Todd)
Specific prompt: Use an AI platform to create a helpful document for your classroom (think emergency sub plans, suggestions for cross-curricular connections, vocabulary lists, or ideas for creative prompts or art challenges!)
Learning More: Listen to this podcast on AI and Art Ed, or this podcast on ChatGPT
NOTES
HOUR FOUR
FEATURED PRESENTER
CARRIE MAE WEEMS
Presentation: Telling Stories with the Power of Art
Social media: @carriemaeweems
Specific prompt: List 3 artworks that tell a powerful story. How can you share these artworks with your students?
Learning More: Check out these other artists who are telling powerful stories in their artwork.
JENN RUSSELL
Presentation: Creating a More Welcoming Classroom Culture
Social media: @therussellartroom
Specific prompt: Write down all the words that come to mind when you think about your ideal classroom. Which of those describes your current classroom?
Learning More: New teachers and veterans alike will love this podcast episode all about classroom management.
NOTES
HOUR FIVE
ABBY HOUSTON
Presentation: How to Develop a Thriving Sketchbook Practice
Social media: @abbypainterart
Specific prompt: What time of day are you feeling most creative? What part of the day gives you the best opportunity to create? List a few places/times that could be conducive to sketchbook work.
Learning More: Take a look at this list of 100 Sketchbook
Prompts.
KYLE WOOD
Presentation: Quick Wins: 6 Easy and Impactful Lessons for Every Classroom
Social media: @wood.art.ed, @whoartedpodcast
Specific prompt: Jot down your “easy wins” when it comes to techniques, materials, or lessons. Circle 3 you want use in the next month.
Learning More: Fantastic One-Day Lessons for the Elementary Art Room
LINDSEY BAILEY
Presentation: Incorporating Technology to Enhance
Hands-On Artmaking
Social media: @cakecrushonthetown
Specific prompt: What is a hands-on activity in your art room that could be enhanced by technology? How could technology be helpful as part of that activity?
Learning More: Check out these ideas on successfully using technology in the art room.
NOTES
NOW CONFERENCE OBJECTIVES FOR ATTENDEES
OBJECTIVE ONE
Attendees will connect with and analyze current best practices in the field of art education, utilizing AOEU’s K-12 Art Educator Framework , and continue to develop their subject matter expertise.
OBJECTIVE TWO
Attendees will evaluate resources and ideas to help design unique student experiences; these experiences will help students practice critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
OBJECTIVE THREE
Attendees will integrate conference learning experiences to guide a personalized learning plan aligned with professional goals for the semester.
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1-2-3 CONFERENCE TAKEAWAYS!
The NOW Conference is fast-paced and full of inspiring information. It can be easy to become overwhelmed! Use this space to write down key takeaways from the conference. Which new ideas will you be sure to add to your teaching practice moving forward?
Which idea from the conference can you implement in the next week?
IDEA:
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN:
Which two ideas from the conference can you implement in the next month?
IDEA 1:
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN:
IDEA 2:
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN:
Which three ideas from the conference will you build into your teaching practice before the end of the school year?
K–12 ART EDUCATOR FRAMEWORK
The K-12 Art Educator Framework is a voluntary resource for art educators developed by AOEU. Comprised of 6 domains, 15 sub-domains, and 50 competencies, it’s designed to optimize effectiveness through real-world practice. Check out the After Pass to see all NOW presentations aligned to the Framework!
CURRICULUM
1. CURRICULUM DESIGN
A. Develops curriculum that aligns with national, state, and/or district standards
B. Designs sequential lessons, units, and/or centers
C. Develops appropriate learning targets/goals
D. Demonstrates thorough background knowledge and command of the subject matter/content
2. CURRICULUM APPROACHES
A. Integrates knowledge of a variety of approaches when planning content
B. Selects printed and digital instructional resources for classroom use
3. ASSESSMENT DESIGN
A. Designs student assessments aligned to learning targets/goals
B. Develops various assessment strategies for classroom use
C. Analyzes qualitative and quantitative student assessment data to gauge mastery
D. Analyzes qualitative and quantitative student assessment data to guide learning and instruction
4. ASSESSMENT IMPLEMENTATION
A. Monitors student learning and adjusts instruction as needed
B. Supports student reflection on learning through peer feedback and self-assessment
C. Design and deliver ongoing, timely feedback to students
INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES
5. ENGAGEMENT
A. Develops lessons, units, and/or centers that connect with student interests and backgrounds
B. Designs scaffolded instruction to facilitate student learning
C. Develops questioning techniques to encourage higher-order thinking skills
D. Constructs opportunities for student choice and authentic learning
E. Selects technology resources to supplement instructional strategies
F. Designs opportunities for collaboration among students
6. DIFFERENTIATION
A. Designs inclusive instruction based on individual differences and understanding of diverse cultures and communities
B. Designs instruction to address student background knowledge and ability levels
C. Develops appropriate adaptations and enrichments for students
D. Differentiates instruction and activities to align with IEP goals
STUDIO PRACTICES
7. MEDIA AND TECHNIQUES
A. Selects best practices when teaching media and techniques to students
B. Scaffolds media and technique skills for students according to age and ability level
C. Designs opportunities for students to experiment with materials and skills
8. CREATIVITY
A. Designs experiences to practice critical thinking and problem-solving skills
B. Designs instruction to allow for freedom of expression and independent thought within student work
9. CONNECTIONS
A. Develops instruction that incorporates historical and contemporary artwork
B. Develops instruction that incorporates artwork from a variety of cultures, communities, times, and places
C. Values how the arts connect with other disciplines and provides opportunities to experience those connections
D. Develops instruction that incorporates current issues and themes in education
10. EXPECTATIONS
A. Creates and communicates clear expectations and consequences
B. Creates and communicates clear routines and procedures
C. Develops and maintains a documentation system for student behavior
11. RELATIONSHIP BUILDING
A. Builds rapport and positive relationships with students
B. Creates and maintains an environment of respect
C. Maintains self-control in challenging situations
12. PHYSICAL SPACE
A. Designs an art room that is accessible for all students
B. Promotes the safe use of equipment, materials, and supplies
C. Maintains the organization of supplies and student work
PROFESSIONALISM
13. PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
A. Demonstrates reflective practice
B. Contributes to the school culture
C. Partners with other professional educators
14. PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
A. Values and participates in professional development opportunities
B. Develops professional goals and a personalized professional development plan to meet those goals
C. Values sharing learning with others
15. ADVOCACY
A. Supports art education access for all students
B. Creates exhibits of student work for community interaction
C. Values the arts and communicates their importance