Keep the Joy in Teaching

Hope Creek Studios
Jul 3
3 min read

How I Keep the Joy in Teaching Art, Even in a Busy Year

Every art teacher knows that teaching is a balancing act. You’re juggling lesson plans, grading, hallway displays, supply orders, curriculum changes, behavior management, and somewhere in there… you’re supposed to actually make art with kids.

And let’s be honest — in a busy year, it’s easy to let the stress crowd out the joy. But here’s the thing: when I lose the joy, my students feel it too. So over the years, I’ve found a few habits and mindsets that help me keep my love for teaching art alive, even in the most hectic seasons.

Art teacher shows a yellow print to seated elementary students in a bright classroom filled with colorful student artwork.

1. I Create Alongside My Students

Whenever possible, I sit down and make art with my students. Not because I have extra time (I don’t), but because it reminds me of the magic of creating.When they see me paint, draw, or experiment with materials, it sends a message: I’m not just your teacher — I’m an artist too. And for me, it’s like pressing the reset button in the middle of a chaotic day.

2. I Build in Small “Wins” for Myself

In a packed school year, big creative projects for myself aren’t always realistic. So I focus on little things: doodling for 5 minutes before the first bell, rearranging a display in a way that makes me smile, or trying out a new art supply during lunch.These small wins keep me feeling connected to my own creativity.

3. I Celebrate Student Success — Loudly and Often

One of the fastest ways to bring back the joy is to remember why I teach art: to watch kids surprise themselves.Whether it’s a shy student finally sharing their painting or a class nailing a tricky new technique, I make a big deal about it. Applause, display boards, announcements — whatever it takes. When my students’ faces light up, so does mine.

4. I Keep One Project Just for Fun

Every semester, I plan at least one project with no big standards checklist or grading rubric — just something purely for joy. It might be collaborative murals, whimsical sculptures, or seasonal crafts. This is my reminder (and my students’) that art is also play.

5. I Protect “Artist Time” in My Schedule

Some days, I have to physically block time on my calendar that says NO meetings, NO emails — just prep or create. Even 30 minutes a week makes a difference. If I don’t guard that time, it gets swallowed by the never-ending to-do list.

6. I Stay Curious

I make time to learn something new — a quick online workshop, a museum visit, or even just watching another art teacher’s classroom tour on YouTube. Fresh ideas energize me, and that energy spills into my teaching.

Woman in navy shirt views a large bird mosaic in a museum, with intricate scroll patterns and a plaque below.

7. I Let Go of “Perfect”

A busy year will never feel perfectly organized, and that’s okay. Sometimes joy is choosing connection over perfection — laughing at a paint spill, turning a mistake into a teachable moment, or scrapping a project mid-way because something better pops up.

The Heart of It

When I keep my own creative spark alive, it shows in the way I teach. My students notice when I’m excited about art, and that excitement is contagious. Even in the busiest years, joy in teaching art isn’t about having more time — it’s about making space for moments that remind me why I love this job in the first place.