Elementary Art teachers you need to follow on instagram

I started using instagram again when I started teaching. It was deleted from my phone in high school because I thought it was so strange and I never used it. At the time, I didn't quite understand how it could be used. For those who don't know yet, instagram is an app you can download on your smartphone that lets you connect with users similar to many social media however it focuses mostly with pictures. When I began teaching and discovered the #artteachersofinstagram hashtag, my career really took a turn. I began documenting my classroom during my first year teaching elementary. I will admit that I did not post too much. However, instagram is now one of my favorite tools. I feel so excited when I find inspirational art teachers online. At first, I used blog sites to find lessons to use or build from. I still do...but Instagram blew my mind when I saw how many art teachers lived on instagram. Not only did they post great material, excellent student art, and routines. Many of my favorite provide messages of positivity and encouragement. Sitting in my car early in the morning, talking myself to be positive, it was so easy to pull out instagram and feel encourage for that day. I thought it would be a good idea to share some of the ones on my mind. For those who are new or interested in creating a classroom or teacher instagram - I highly recommend you do! I will warn you - it is so easy to feel like "Wow, these teachers... everything is so pretty. Their classroom is immaculate. Am I supposed to be as intense as these instagram teacher gods?" None of us instagram art teachers post the kids talking back to us, the rude parents, the crying in our car. Remember that if you are sitting and wondering "am I doing enough? Am I good enough?" you totally are. You are the best thing for your kids and exactly what they need. Having a colorful classroom or an immaculate lesson isn't as important as your incredible relationships with your students.

Here are some of the art teachers I have encountered on instagram... so far! that have all inspired me.
Mr. Rios

mr.riosart on instagram

This is one cool dude. I will say it. As a male teaching elementary art there are few of us. The few. The proud. The male art elementary art teachers. I am not complaining - it is just the way it is. It is just nice to see more of us are out there than I initially assumed graduating college.

Ms. Greathead

rainbow.art.teacher on instagram 

Hopefully you like rainbows. Elementary art teachers use a lot of them. At the end of a rainbow you'll probably find Ms. Greathead. I am always uplifted by her colorful instagram. She will often record her day, routines, and explain how she setup her projects. As a new teacher, this is exactly what I needed my first year.

Mr. Kiczek

elementaryarts on instagram

Prepare for organization and giant supply overload. This guy is freakin' talented. I use stories to teach many of my lessons for Kinder-First. What I love is he constantly puts great children's books on his feed. I think starting those younger lessons really do work when you want to get those kids reading! I have had kids finish a project and go back to re-read the book that inspired the art on the first day. It is a kodak moment📸.

Ashley Mckee

ashcan works on instagram

At the end of the year, I was saying summer goodbye to a fabulous 4th grade student. "You are so talented. Please make art over summer. Don't stop creating!" We hugged and she walked away. I realized as she was walking away ... I was a hypocrite. I never make art anymore. I have talked to other art teachers. We get busy. We get stressed. The art doesn't happen. At least, that's what I used to tell myself. I love seeing Ashley work, draw, paint, or just "make stuff" over the summer. She is crazy talented. I started painting again this summer and it made me feel so accomplished. Follow this lady for some summertime encouragement.

Mr. Ausustine Tse

argy_artclass on instagram

Just. Wow. This teacher started on instagram the same time that I did but whoa, his instagram game in on point. According to his instagram, he is based in Hong Kong. Check out his posts that include Yayoi Kusama. I like seeing that we can push our lessons to include contemporary artists.



Keisha Casiano

artfunwithms.c on instagram

This teacher makes what we do look easy. Her Harry Potter inspired art show - breathtaking. I am going to push myself harder this year for my art show after seeing that. She also posts a lot of helpful tops she discovers - I had NO IDEA that I could draw on my counters with expo marker... or that you could mix mod podge and paint and spray down fired clay to prime them for paint. She also is also a fan of AVID like my district is so she has some great techniques if your school is part of AVID.


Cassie Stephens

cassie_stephenz

Alright, you knew this was coming. Chances are you already follow her on instagram. I found her on instagram like everyone else. However, I spent hours so far listening to all the many podcasts she has been included in or created herself. Her youtube channel is FULL of great projects and information. She shared a really great technique for younger kids to calm down. She shares the highs, the lows, and the funny moments that we experience every day in our classrooms and schools.


Thank you taking a look at my list of art teachers I follow. I plan on following more! Do you have a teacher on Instagram that inspires you? Please let me know who to follow.

Also, feel free to follow me on instagram! I don't post a whole bunch as of yet but I love connecting with our art teachers. We are a team with the same goal. Your classrooms and stories inspire me so much.

Joe