15 Habits of Happy Art Teachers
Happy teachers are the foundation of successful classrooms.
When teachers feel satisfied in their job, they are more likely to put forth their best effort and create an environment of positivity and learning for their students. For us art teachers, job satisfaction often comes from creating meaningful connections with their students and helping them to explore their own creativity.
1) Wake Up Early
One of the most important habits of a happy art teacher is to wake up early.
Getting out of bed with a sense of purpose and direction can help us get the most out of our day. I know I’d rather have that feeling than one of being bogged down by boredom or fatigue or frustration.
For many art teachers, waking up early is a great way to gain clarity and focus. It allows them to start the day off on the right foot and stay energized throughout their teaching day. This can help prevent them from feeling burnt out or overwhelmed like many frustrated, fatigued, and bored teachers do. In addition, it gives them the opportunity to reflect on the previous day's lessons and plan for upcoming classes.
While this doesn’t come naturally to me, I do find it worth the effort it takes in the long run.
Waking up early is one of the key habits of happy art teachers!
Happy art teachers wake up early!
2) Set Goals for the Day
As an art teacher, it is important to stay motivated and creative in your work. Setting goals for yourself each day is a great way to ensure that you stay on track and avoid becoming overwhelmed.
Think about what tasks you would like to accomplish during the day and break them up into smaller, achievable goals. These can be tasks you claim for yourself or tasks handed down by administration. Setting daily goals will help you stay focused and make sure that you are doing the things that you need to do in order to be a successful art teacher.
Make sure to write down your goals so you can look back at them and track your progress!
3) Eat Breakfast
Happy art teachers know the importance of eating breakfast.
Not only is it a great way to jumpstart your day, but it can also help to keep your energy levels up and focus sharp. Eating a healthy breakfast that includes protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats will provide the nourishment and energy needed for an art teacher to have a productive day.
Breakfast foods like oatmeal with fruit, yogurt, eggs, or whole grain toast are all great options. Try to avoid eating sugary cereals or pastries as these can cause spikes in your blood sugar that will lead to crashing later on.
I don’t particularly like to eat breakfast, but I do find that when I at least have a protein bar or smoothie I have a better morning. It’s important to have sustained energy throughout the morning!
4) Get Dressed for Success
No matter how tired or bored you feel as an art teacher, it is important to get dressed for success. The act of getting dressed can help you to have a successful day in the classroom and make you feel more professional and productive.
This can be as simple as wearing a nice shirt and trousers or jeans, or if you prefer a more creative look, try some unique patterns and colors that reflect your artistic personality.
Wearing something comfortable will keep you from feeling too restricted throughout the day. Additionally, it’s a good idea to choose clothing that will make you feel confident and motivated to engage with students. When you feel good about yourself, your energy will be transferred to your students and help them stay engaged in their work.
You can always use an apron or smock to protect your outfit. However, if you’re like me and feel cramped in things like that, just get paint on your clothes. Keep wearing them, I say! Everyone knows you’re an art teacher!
So don’t be afraid to show off your style and personality with the clothes you wear!
OH LOOK! It’s me in twenty years!
5) Make Your Bed
One of the habits that happy art teachers have is making their bed every morning.
This may sound like a small task, but it can make a big difference in your day. Making your bed in the morning not only gives you a sense of accomplishment, but it can also give you a boost of energy and motivation for the rest of the day.
Making your bed is also a great way to start off the day with a sense of order and organization. By taking the time to make your bed, you are setting the tone for how you want to approach the day ahead. This can help to create a sense of peace and calmness which can help make you more productive and successful as an art teacher.
6) Exercise
For happy art teachers, physical activity is an important part of the day. Exercise helps reduce stress and increases energy levels, making it easier to stay focused and energized throughout the day. Many fatigued, frustrated, and bored teachers feel overwhelmed by the thought of exercising, but you don’t have to do a strenuous workout every day!
Even taking a quick walk around the block or stretching in your classroom can make a difference. Consider trying out some low-impact exercises like yoga, Pilates, or Tai Chi.
Whatever exercise you choose, make sure to keep it interesting by changing up your routine every now and then. For art teachers who want to mix creativity with physical activity, why not try an art-based exercise like dance or martial arts?
7) Take Breaks
As an art teacher, it’s important to take breaks throughout the day. Taking regular breaks can help combat boredom and burnout. Boredom is a common issue for art teachers as they are often doing the same tasks over and over. (Am I really about to teach that Mondrian lesson for the 100th time?) Taking short breaks gives you a chance to reset and recharge so you can return to your classes with more enthusiasm and creativity.
It’s important to give yourself enough time for these breaks, even if it’s just for a couple of minutes. During this time, you can take a quick walk outside, meditate, or practice some deep breathing.
This will help clear your mind and get rid of any tension that might have built up during the day. You can also use this time to stretch or practice yoga poses to stay limber and energized.
I always walk a lap around the parking lot on the way to the car. It helps me shake off some of the stress of the day so I don’t bring it home with me.
Taking regular breaks will also allow you to come up with new ideas for projects and activities in your art class. Blood flow to that big, beautiful, art teacher brain! This can help keep your classes fresh and engaging and prevent you from getting bored with your teaching material.
8) Unplug From Technology
We live in a world of constant distractions and it can be difficult for art teachers to unplug from technology and focus on their craft. It's important to remember that it's okay to take some time away from the gadgets and screens.
Taking a break from technology can help you relax, de-stress, and reduce boredom. Yes! Retraining your brain to not crave constant stimulation can actually help you reduce boredom. Go figure!
A great way for art teachers to unplug is to plan activities that don't involve screens, such as taking a walk outside or working on an art project. This goes for the lessons you plan for your students as well. I think my students have technology fatigue and are really craving tactile, sensory input like comes from using traditional art media!
Having a hobby is also a great way to stay occupied and away from the screens. This can help keep fatigued, frustrated, and bored teachers motivated and inspired, so they can get back to teaching their students with renewed enthusiasm.
9) Find a Hobby
Happy art teachers know how important it is to have a hobby. It not only helps to break up the monotony of the day, but it can also help art teachers stay creative and engaged. Frustrated, fatigued, and bored teachers often lack motivation and find it hard to be creative. Having a hobby can help them to stay inspired and energized.
For art teachers, having an artistic hobby can be particularly beneficial. Finding a creative outlet will help them stay connected to their passion, allowing them to explore and express their artistic talent in new ways. Whether it’s painting, sculpting, drawing, or something else entirely, having an artistic hobby can help art teachers stay motivated and inspired.
In addition to artistic hobbies, art teachers should also consider getting involved in other activities as well. (I play the dulcimer!) It could be something as simple as going for a walk or taking up gardening. Whatever it is, having a hobby that involves getting out of the house and exploring can be beneficial for art teachers.
By dedicating time to a hobby, art teachers can relieve stress, reduce boredom, and stay engaged with their work.
Not to mention, having a hobby can help art teachers stay connected to their passions and explore new areas of creativity. So if you're an art teacher looking for ways to stay motivated and inspired, why not find a hobby?
10) Read
Reading is an essential part of every art teacher’s life. It doesn’t have to be a chore, though – use reading as a way to learn and expand your skills and knowledge.
You can choose to read about topics related to the art world, or broaden your horizons by exploring literature or other genres. Reading can also be a great way to relax, so it’s important to make time for it in your daily routine.
Additionally, introducing your students to a variety of books and other reading materials can help enrich their own art education.
So don’t forget to find time for reading; it will help keep you and your students happy and energized.
11) Connect With Nature
As an art teacher, you are responsible for inspiring your students to find beauty in the world.
It’s important to take the time to step away from the classroom and connect with nature. Taking a break from teaching can help relieve stress and boredom. Spending time outdoors can boost creativity and improve your outlook on life.
It doesn’t matter if you take a walk around your neighborhood or go for a hike in a nearby park – nature will have a calming effect on you and will remind you of what’s important. Whether it’s going on a picnic or simply observing the natural world around you, art teachers should make it a priority to spend time outside and connect with nature.
12) Volunteer
Happy art teachers know the importance of giving back to their communities.
Volunteering is a great way to feel connected to the world around you and help make a difference. It can also give you the opportunity to develop new skills, network with other professionals, and gain valuable work experience.
I feel very strongly about this one. One year, I organized the staff at my school to serve Saturday lunch at a local soup kitchen. We saw so many of our families there. It gave us insight into what the lives of some of our students are like. Plus, we were able to bond in fellowship over the food and act of service.
So if you’re looking for ways to get involved in your community and spice up your life as an art teacher, why not volunteer? You may be surprised by how much it will improve your overall happiness.
13) Practice Self-Care
Self-care is a four letter word for many people. Hear me loud and clear here:
I’m personally tired of the people who are making things hard for educators tell them to practice self care. I’ve been tired of it!
That’s gaslighting, which is unacceptable.
BUT, we do need to take care of ourselves. We need to treat ourselves like we would treat our most precious loved one. It’s that whole concept of putting your own oxygen mask first before trying to help someone else with theirs. You’re no good to anyone if you aren’t receiving the oxygen you need.
I know we also often feel guilty for taking time for ourselves, but it’s essential for maintaining a healthy balance. It might seem counterintuitive, but self-care can be one of the best gifts you can give to those around you.
Happy art teachers understand that their students need them to be their best selves and recognize the importance of taking care of themselves.
➡️ It’s important to note that no amount of self-care can fix an abusive or toxic situation. Teachers who are working in a difficult environment should be honest with themselves about what they can and cannot change. That said, setting aside time to focus on yourself can help ease some of the burden of challenging work environments.
Self-care activities don’t have to be complicated or expensive. For art teachers, it could be something as simple as journaling, taking a relaxing bath (I’m a bath truffle junkie myself), going for a walk in nature, or engaging in a creative pursuit. Taking time to do something that brings you joy can provide the energy and motivation to keep going and make it through tough times.
14) Set Boundaries
Happy art teachers know when it's time to take a break from the classroom. They understand that there can be an overwhelming feeling of demoralization, fatigue, frustration, and boredom for teachers who have been teaching for a long time, especially when it comes to their art classes. That's why it's important for art teachers to set boundaries and prioritize their own mental health.
One way art teachers can do this is by taking a break from work during lunch (when possible) or after school. This can be a great way to decompress and practice self-care. Art teachers can also take a day off or go on vacation to get away from the daily stressors of the classroom. Setting these boundaries allows art teachers to recharge and come back to their students refreshed and ready to teach.
Another way art teachers can set boundaries is by communicating with their students and other faculty members. It's important for art teachers to create an environment where they feel supported and appreciated, so that they don't feel like they are being taken advantage of.
Art teachers should also make sure they have clearly defined expectations and rules for their students and themselves, as well as a clear plan for how things should run in their classroom. By setting these boundaries, art teachers will feel more secure in their positions and be able to better focus on their teaching.
Classroom management is key here. If you need help, check this out.
Overall, happy art teachers know when it's time to take a break and set boundaries for themselves and their students. These boundaries allow art teachers to focus on what's important: creating an inspiring and engaging classroom experience for their students.
If you’ve tried everything and need to leave the classroom all together for a while, there’s no shame in it. There are ways you can support yourself in this field and take a break from full-time art teaching if you need to. I will support you doing what you need to do. I’ve been there.
15) Live in the Present Moment
One of the most important habits of happy art teachers is to live in the present moment. Frustrated, fatigued, and bored teachers are not happy teachers, so being able to live in the present moment is key to staying inspired.
This means taking time out of your day to appreciate what is going on around you, savor the moments and be mindful of the little things. I think it was Oprah who said, “Gratitude is the way home.” I love that quote, and I truly believe it.
Doing something as simple as stepping outside to take a few deep breaths of fresh air can make all the difference in an art teacher’s mood. Focusing on the beauty and joy that surrounds us allows us to enjoy life and have more fun in our work.
We should make it a point to be present and in the moment while we are teaching our classes, engaging with our students and creating art. When we focus on the present, our energy will become more positive and our days will be filled with joy.
Conclusion
Happy art teachers understand the importance of taking care of themselves. Life is just so short. It is too short to be miserable. By following the 15 habits above, art teachers can lead a life of joy and fulfillment.
Fatigued, frustrated, and bored teachers should try to break out of their routine and find new ways to enjoy their craft. Whether it’s finding a hobby, connecting with nature, or volunteering, these practices will lead to greater satisfaction and fulfillment. Art teachers are never as alone as they think they are. They have a network of support that can help them stay happy and motivated.
I’m Amanda, and I align standards and integrate content to help teachers meet the needs of the Whole Child in art class! I have yet to find a standard that I couldn’t teach through art, and I want to share it all with you.
Not sure where to start with bringing art and content together? This freebie guide is packed with 25 ideas to align your art lessons with math and ELA standards. Your students will be crafting art and practicing algebraic thinking. Win-win!
I want all students to feel successful in the art room, so I created a standards-based Daffodil Collage lesson to do just that! The lesson includes an artist study, student reflection, and more, so push your artists to their full potential.
Follow along on my Instagram page for more tips on teaching the Whole Child in the art room!
Connecting art and content together doesn’t have to be mind-boggling. I’ve made it simple with 25 math and ELA art lesson starters - for free! Plus, I included 15 worksheets for students to reflect on their art-making journey.