Cassie Stephens
108 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 3 years ago - ★★★★★ - 256 ratingsI've taught art for the last 20 something years, y'all. I've learned a lot about art teacherin', art makin' and finding a happy balance between the two. I'm here to share my ups, downs and what works best for me and my awesome artists.
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Episodes
Ep. 41: Standards, Curriculum, Lesson Plans, Oh My!
December 15, 2019 22:18 - 30 minutes - 56.9 MBTrying to navigate the waters of standards, curriculum and lessons plans is tough and exhausting...and if you let it, it can seem to suck the very joy right out of teaching. The key is not to lose sight of who you are as an art teacher. Why did you become an art teacher? Keeping that at the front of your mind will make creating a curriculum map and writing a lesson plan not only easier but, dare I say...FUN! Let' go!
Ep. 40: Noise Levels in the Art Room
December 08, 2019 18:11 - 30 minutes - 57.5 MBWhat noise level do you strive for in your art room? In this episode, I'm talking (a lot!) about how to introduce noise level expectations to your students, how they will know which noise level they are to work toward and all my favorite hacks on working toward a focused art room. Some days, my kids are chatty and others they are quiet. It's really a matter of preference. Whatever you decide, a solid management plan will make that happen. Let's talk about it!
Ep. 39: All Things Clay, Part 3
December 01, 2019 22:07 - 23 minutes - 43.6 MBOkay, final chat about kiln fire clay! Here's all you'll need to know about how I store clay projects and how I go about glazing. If you don't wanna mess with glaze, then I am also covering my very favorite glaze-less techniques too! Don't forget to listen to Part 1 and 2 of these episodes for much more clay info. Enjoy!
All Things Clay, Part 3
December 01, 2019 22:07 - 23 minutes - 43.6 MBOkay, final chat about kiln fire clay! Here's all you'll need to know about how I store clay projects and how I go about glazing. If you don't wanna mess with glaze, then I am also covering my very favorite glaze-less techniques too! Don't forget to listen to Part 1 and 2 of these episodes for much more clay info. Enjoy!
Ep. 38: All Things Clay, Part 2
November 25, 2019 15:51 - 30 minutes - 57.5 MBNow that you know the supplies to order, let's roll up our sleeves and get a little messy! Today I'll be talking about setting up for clay, how to teach clay for optimum success and how to successfully fire those pieces (without blowing 'em up). I'll also be sharing how to reconstitute even the most dried out bag of clay. I'm calling this series a Clay Crash Course and I hope you'll join me!
All Things Clay, Part 2
November 25, 2019 15:51 - 30 minutes - 57.5 MBNow that you know the supplies to order, let's roll up our sleeves and get a little messy! Today I'll be talking about setting up for clay, how to teach clay for optimum success and how to successfully fire those pieces (without blowing 'em up). I'll also be sharing how to reconstitute even the most dried out bag of clay. I'm calling this series a Clay Crash Course and I hope you'll join me!
Ep. 37: Intro to All Things Clay!
November 18, 2019 01:44 - 27 minutes - 53 MBIsn't it kinda crazy to think that when you are hired as an art teacher, it's just assumed you know everything about every medium?! I'd never TOUCHED a kiln until my third year teaching when I found myself with one and five hundred pounds of clay. Wanna know what happened? Well...it's worse than you think. You'll have to take a listen to find out. Join me as we cover clay for the next couple of episodes (don't worry, kilnless friends, we'll talk about you too, right in front of you!). Hope y...
Intro to All Things Clay!
November 18, 2019 01:44 - 27 minutes - 53 MBIsn't it kinda crazy to think that when you are hired as an art teacher, it's just assumed you know everything about every medium?! I'd never TOUCHED a kiln until my third year teaching when I found myself with one and five hundred pounds of clay. Wanna know what happened? Well...it's worse than you think. You'll have to take a listen to find out. Join me as we cover clay for the next couple of episodes (don't worry, kilnless friends, we'll talk about you too, right in front of you!). Hope y...
Ep. 36: My Favorite Early Finisher Activities!
October 28, 2019 04:11 - 28 minutes - 53.9 MB"I'm done!" has gotta be up there with my Top Ten Least Favorite Things I Hear in the Art Room...anyone else? But what DO you do with those artists who truly are finished? Let's talk about it! I'm sharing my favorite activities in Early Finishers Land...hope you'll take a listen!
My Favorite Early Finisher Activities!
October 28, 2019 04:11 - 28 minutes - 53.9 MB"I'm done!" has gotta be up there with my Top Ten Least Favorite Things I Hear in the Art Room...anyone else? But what DO you do with those artists who truly are finished? Let's talk about it! I'm sharing my favorite activities in Early Finishers Land...hope you'll take a listen!
Ep. 35: Dealing with Bullies in Your School
October 13, 2019 18:49 - 28 minutes - 53.6 MBOh, lawd. And we thought junior high was over. Wrong! Do you encounter bullying in your school? How do you deal with it? Today I'm sharing my experiences with bullies and how I've dealt with it over the years.
Dealing with Bullies in Your School
October 13, 2019 18:49 - 28 minutes - 53.6 MBOh, lawd. And we thought junior high was over. Wrong! Do you encounter bullying in your school? How do you deal with it? Today I'm sharing my experiences with bullies and how I've dealt with it over the years.
Ep. 34: Time to Take Your Creative Vitamins
October 02, 2019 04:04 - 23 minutes - 44.3 MBYou guys...just a couple of things: don't you ever do as I did. Don't you ever just laser focus on teaching and neglect your creative self. We are ALL creatives. Time to carve out time for you. A happy person makes for a happy teacher, the one your students truly deserve. AND you won't want to miss out on this week's sponsor Vooks as they have a FREE SUBSCRIPTION for you! My favorite price...FREE! Enjoy!
Time to Take Your Creative Vitamins
October 02, 2019 04:04 - 23 minutes - 44.3 MBYou guys...just a couple of things: don't you ever do as I did. Don't you ever just laser focus on teaching and neglect your creative self. We are ALL creatives. Time to carve out time for you. A happy person makes for a happy teacher, the one your students truly deserve. AND you won't want to miss out on this week's sponsor Vooks as they have a FREE SUBSCRIPTION for you! My favorite price...FREE! Enjoy!
Ep. 33: How to Make Clean Up Time in the Art Room FUN!
September 22, 2019 19:55 - 29 minutes - 55.7 MBBecause, let's face it, sometimes clean up time is the opposite of fun, especially for you, the teacher. But I'll be sharing a little audio of my clean up routine with my students and the tips and tricks that work for me...most days. I hope you enjoy!
Ep. 32: Evaluations Are a Crock, Just So You Know
September 17, 2019 01:13 - 27 minutes - 52.9 MBNo disrespect, I'm just laying it all out there in this episode. Take a listen cuz, you are MORE THAN AN EVALUATION SCORE.
Ep. 31: So You Wanna Host a Student Teacher, Do Ya?
September 17, 2019 00:28 - 24 minutes - 46.3 MBYou sure about that? Cuz the start of an art teacher's career kinda depends on it. I'm going to share with you my top five tips to taking on a student teacher...and you'll hear why I don't do it anymore.
Ep. 30: Surviving Lonely Island Syndrome
September 03, 2019 00:10 - 16 minutes - 30.4 MBI spent the first seven years of my teaching career lonely. No one ever tells you just how difficult life can be when you don't have people to turn to, lean on or talk to. In this episode, I'll be sharing how you can get off that lonely island...and how you, if you've already found your group of art teacherin' friends, can share the love with those who seek a friend.
Ep. 29: Top Five Tips to Taming the Kindergarten Creature
September 02, 2019 23:44 - 20 minutes - 39.7 MBAh, kindergarten. We teachers seem to struggle the most with this magical group of artists. In this podcast episode, I'll be sharing my tips to having fun, laughter and success with the most magical artists of them all. Enjoy!
Ep. 28: First Day(s) of Art with Kindergarten
September 02, 2019 23:15 - 26 minutes - 49.6 MBBRACE YOURSELF! Kindergarten is coming! And they are not to be fooled with, y'all. I EASE my kindergarten into the rules and routines of art class on the very first day. My focus is to get them creating and having fun. In this episode, I'll give you a peak inside my art class with kindergarten on the first days of art.
Ep. 27: Top Five Tips to Landing That Teacherin' Job!
August 26, 2019 01:26 - 26 minutes - 50.9 MBIt's time. It's time you found a job that was worthy of your amazing and awesome self. So, what's stopping you? Lemme throw in my top five tips for landing that gig.
Ep. 26: Surviving Student Teaching
August 26, 2019 01:22 - 23 minutes - 43.9 MBIt may have been 22 years ago but it feels like yesterday. Here are my tips for surviving your student teaching experience...and, cooperating teachers, a little perspective for you!
Dear Cassie...Questions and Answers!
August 26, 2019 01:20 - 20 minutes - 39.6 MBThis is my first go round of Dear Cassie...a chance for me to chat with you and attempt to answer your questions...about anything! I hope to get a little faster at answering questions in the future so I can chat with more of you. If you have a question for me, feel free to email me at [email protected].
Ep. 25: Dear Cassie...Questions and Answers!
August 26, 2019 01:20 - 20 minutes - 39.6 MBThis is my first go round of Dear Cassie...a chance for me to chat with you and attempt to answer your questions...about anything! I hope to get a little faster at answering questions in the future so I can chat with more of you. If you have a question for me, feel free to email me at [email protected].
Ep. 24: Top Ten Classroom Management Hacks!
August 18, 2019 13:48 - 29 minutes - 56 MBLast week I shared with y'all my Happy/Sad board which is easily my favorite classroom management hack. This week, I took a look around my art room and came up with my Top Ten Classroom Management Hacks to share with you! Here you go!
You are a Buried Treasure
August 18, 2019 13:42 - 23 minutes - 44.3 MBThe idea for this episode struck me the other day when I was out for a walk. We spend so much of our lives burying our true self and identity to fit in with school rules, society, our peers. We do it to conform to our family's wishes...but at some point, many of us, we decide we want to rediscover that person we buried. We want to find that buried treasure that is our true selves. Let's talk about it in this episode.
Ep. 23: You are a Buried Treasure
August 18, 2019 13:42 - 23 minutes - 44.3 MBThe idea for this episode struck me the other day when I was out for a walk. We spend so much of our lives burying our true self and identity to fit in with school rules, society, our peers. We do it to conform to our family's wishes...but at some point, many of us, we decide we want to rediscover that person we buried. We want to find that buried treasure that is our true selves. Let's talk about it in this episode.
Painting with Children
August 18, 2019 13:38 - 32 minutes - 61.3 MBThis week, I began my second week of school and my third art class with my students. I introduced them to tempera painting! In this episode, I am sharing my favorite supplies for tempera painting with kids; how I set up my room and tables; what our very first lesson is and how I teach. You're gonna hear our silly rhymes and sayings and our fun way to remember my painting procedures for our art makin' adventures. If you enjoy, please leave a rate and review and don't forget to subscribe!
Ep. 22: Painting with Children
August 18, 2019 13:38 - 32 minutes - 61.3 MBThis week, I began my second week of school and my third art class with my students. I introduced them to tempera painting! In this episode, I am sharing my favorite supplies for tempera painting with kids; how I set up my room and tables; what our very first lesson is and how I teach. You're gonna hear our silly rhymes and sayings and our fun way to remember my painting procedures for our art makin' adventures. If you enjoy, please leave a rate and review and don't forget to subscribe!
Discovering Your Personal Happiness!
August 11, 2019 21:17 - 29 minutes - 55.5 MBThe journey to happiness is just that...a journey. Sometimes it's even an uphill battle. However, I have discovered some things you can do to make finding your happiness a whole lot easier. I'm excited to share it with you today. Here's to our HAPPINESS!
Ep. 21: Discovering Your Personal Happiness!
August 11, 2019 21:17 - 29 minutes - 55.5 MBThe journey to happiness is just that...a journey. Sometimes it's even an uphill battle. However, I have discovered some things you can do to make finding your happiness a whole lot easier. I'm excited to share it with you today. Here's to our HAPPINESS!
Ep. 20: What They Didn't Teach You in College
August 11, 2019 21:12 - 25 minutes - 48.8 MBOh boy. Were my first 20 years of teaching art a shocker ;) Good thing I'm going into year 21 and now kinda know what I'm doing. Some days. Occasionally. Okay, often never. But I have learned many a thing along the way and it's a whole buncha stuff that I really wish they woulda taught me in college. So, I'm here to school you today. Professor Stephens is about to lead you in a session of all that they didn't teach you in college. Let's get started.
Ep. 19: What My First Day Teaching Art REALLY Was Like
August 11, 2019 21:03 - 28 minutes - 51.3 MBOkay. Y'all know that podcast episode I shared titled "W.E.L.C.O.M.E."? Well...that's what I would ideally like my very first day(s) of art class to be like. BUT I decided to change things up this year and I think you might be surprised just what I did. Take a listen AND hear a bit from my sweet artists too!
What My First Day Teaching Art REALLY Was Like
August 11, 2019 21:03 - 28 minutes - 51.3 MBOkay. Y'all know that podcast episode I shared titled "W.E.L.C.O.M.E."? Well...that's what I would ideally like my very first day(s) of art class to be like. BUT I decided to change things up this year and I think you might be surprised just what I did. Take a listen AND hear a bit from my sweet artists too!
Ep. 18: Setting Up Your Art Room
August 04, 2019 22:55 - 31 minutes - 59.7 MBIn this LONG podcast (sorry!), I'll be walking you through how I set up my art room from start to finish. I'll also be sharing some ideas for you if you are in a portable as I once was or if you are on a cart. Decorating your room should take a backseat when setting up your art room...start right here first!
Getting Out of Your Creative Slump
August 04, 2019 22:50 - 20 minutes - 39.1 MBAfter college, I fell into a deep creative slump that lasted 7 years. It sucked! When I finally decided to work my way out of it, I had no idea what I wanted to create! I have a habit of putting a lot of hurdles in my creative path...that I used to just let stop me. Here's how I managed to start leaping over them and run right out of that creative slump.
Ep. 17: Getting Out of Your Creative Slump
August 04, 2019 22:50 - 20 minutes - 39.1 MBAfter college, I fell into a deep creative slump that lasted 7 years. It sucked! When I finally decided to work my way out of it, I had no idea what I wanted to create! I have a habit of putting a lot of hurdles in my creative path...that I used to just let stop me. Here's how I managed to start leaping over them and run right out of that creative slump.
Ep. 16: The Three C's of Classroom Management
August 04, 2019 22:43 - 24 minutes - 46.8 MBWhat are they? In my wild and wacky art room, my three C's of classroom management might surprise you. I'm gonna chat with you on how to gauge your classes to tell just what management tool they need for a successful class.
Ep. 15: The Easiest Classroom Management Tool You'll Ever Use
July 27, 2019 14:19 - 24 minutes - 45.7 MBThere are exactly one trillion fancy, cute and colorful ways to manage your art room. I love them all but cannot for the life of me maintain any of them. Instead, I got one little thing that's cheap and easy (like me in high school) that works fabulously to redirect, remind and reteach my students. I'm sharing what it is with you today and all the reasons I use it and love it.
Ep. 14: Consequences in the Art Room
July 27, 2019 14:16 - 27 minutes - 51.1 MBLookie, here y'all. When those sweet little artists disregard your rules and routines, the very ones you've established to help you create this beautiful masterpiece of an art room for said sweet little artists, then it's time to talk consequences. They don't have to be big or scary. They aren't mean. They are a necessity in the art room to maintain a creative environment for your students. Today I'll be sharing my three little consequences that I introduce on the very first day.
Ep. 13: Why Our Students Misbehave
July 27, 2019 14:12 - 20 minutes - 38.9 MBOkay, so that title is a bit misleading as there are MANY reasons as to why our students might be misbehaving in our class. But I have managed to whittle it down to my top four. Our students might be misbehaving and disregarding our rules and routines because they are feeling a lack of something in our art room. What could our amazing art room possibly be lacking? I've got four things...but you'll have to take a listen to find out what they are and how you can remedy the situation.
Ep. 12: So You Wanna Write a Book, Huh?
July 21, 2019 18:10 - 20 minutes - 38.4 MBMy second book, Stitch and String Lab for Kids comes out on July 23rd! I'm so excited about it. I've learned many things on my book writing journey...and one of them is that many folks have the desire to write a book too. I know it was on my bucket list in 2007! I'm spilling the beans with you all today, sharing my honest journey into book writing adventureland. It may not be all that you dreamed it is. I know it certainly wasn't for me!
So You Wanna Write a Book, Huh?
July 21, 2019 18:10 - 20 minutes - 38.4 MBMy second book, Stitch and String Lab for Kids comes out on July 23rd! I'm so excited about it. I've learned many things on my book writing journey...and one of them is that many folks have the desire to write a book too. I know it was on my bucket list in 2007! I'm spilling the beans with you all today, sharing my honest journey into book writing adventureland. It may not be all that you dreamed it is. I know it certainly wasn't for me!
Ep.11: Using Your WHY to Create Your RULES
July 21, 2019 18:07 - 23 minutes - 43.8 MBFor years I just borrowed rules from other art teachers and classroom teachers without giving much thought to what I wanted mine to be. Rules are the broad brush strokes of the art room masterpiece you are trying to create for your students. What should they be? This is another podcast that might require you to pull out a sheet of paper and work. Think about your vision for your art room...and cultivate your rules from there. Let's go!
Ep. 10: Routines in the Art Room: W.E.L.C.O.M.E.
July 21, 2019 18:04 - 31 minutes - 59.3 MBROUTINES, y'all! In my art room, my routines are the key to my sanity. In this episode, I'll share some nightmarish stories from my first year teaching where I thought RULES were where it's at. Did you know there's a difference between Rules and Routines? I didn't! I learned real fast that rules are the broad brush strokes of the masterpiece of an art class you are trying to create while your ROUTINES are the finer details. They are truly what will bring the vision you have of your art room ...
Ep. 9: The Biggest Secret about Being an Artist and an Art Teacher
July 11, 2019 16:06 - 21 minutes - 40.3 MBI spent year and I do mean YEARS discovering this answer to this secret...and I am excited to share it with you. Mostly because I don't want you to lose years from your art teacherin' and art makerin' career not knowing what I know to be true. Take a listen...and spread the word. THE SECRET IT OUT, Y'ALL!
Ep. 8: Discovering Your WHY
July 11, 2019 16:03 - 23 minutes - 45.1 MBThis is my first ever MAKE AND TAKE kind of podcast! I encourage you to grab some a sheet of paper, some markers and pull up a chair. We are going to be working our way through some very serious questions that will hopefully help you discover your WHY. Why do YOU teach? What do you want your students to LEARN, DO and KNOW! I think you'll learn so much about yourself in this episode...and just in time to head back to your classrooms in a matter of weeks. I hope you'll join me and I'd love to ...
My Experience on Nailed It!
July 11, 2019 16:00 - 26 minutes - 49.4 MBSince being on Season 3, Episode 3 of the Netflix show Nailed It!, I've gotten a ton of questions. What was it like? How was I chosen? Is Wes really as hot in person as he is on the show? (DUH. YES.) I decided to wrangle all of these questions up and do my best to answer them in this here podcast. There is a big take-away that I do want to stress...JUST SAY YES. Yes! to what scares you but intrigues you. Yes! to opportunities that you might never have again. In the end, it may not take you a...
Ep. 7: My Experience on Nailed It!
July 11, 2019 16:00 - 26 minutes - 49.4 MBSince being on Season 3, Episode 3 of the Netflix show Nailed It!, I've gotten a ton of questions. What was it like? How was I chosen? Is Wes really as hot in person as he is on the show? (DUH. YES.) I decided to wrangle all of these questions up and do my best to answer them in this here podcast. There is a big take-away that I do want to stress...JUST SAY YES. Yes! to what scares you but intrigues you. Yes! to opportunities that you might never have again. In the end, it may not take you a...
Discovering Your Art Teacherin' Identity
June 29, 2019 16:53 - 17 minutes - 33.3 MBDiscovering who you are as a person is a lifelong journey, I think. Discovering who you are as an art teacher is similarly difficult. In this episode, we're gonna chat about all the things that make up your art teacherin' DNA and define you, and ONLY you, as the art teacher you are. It's a rough road and it's not for everyone but YOU'VE.GOT.THIS.