It’s the new year. Happy New Year! Do you have any art teacher resolutions? If so, add them in the comments. Here are some possible ideas to spur you on.

  1. Take your work email off your phone.
  2. Don’t bring work home. Or make your own version of this- only one night a week, for example. Whatever helps you reclaim some of your life back.
  3. Start creating again! Make your own art!
  4. Clean your desk.
  5. Job hunt. It’s not too early!
  6. Draw in your sketchbook daily.
  7. Consider becoming a National Board Certified Art Educator.
  8. Go Green! Check out our My Art Lesson article for tips and tricks.
  9. Clean your supply room.
  10. Organize your classroom. Start by picking one manageable task a week. Some organizational hacks can be found here.
  11. Take your plan period back. Close the door and do whatever you need for you.
  12. Leave on Time: Commit to leaving the building at a set time at least three days a week.
  13. Commit to introducing at least five artists this year from underrepresented backgrounds (Indigenous, contemporary global, or LGBTQ+ artists).
  14. Streamline your grading! Ideas here.
  15. Learn a New Medium: Take a workshop in something you don’t teach—like glass blowing, weaving, or 3D modeling—to remember what it feels like to be a beginner.
  16. Maintain an “Inspiration File” for art lessons.
  17. Spend 2 minutes every class talking to a student about something other than their art project.
  18. Host a virtual Q&A with a professional in the field (graphic designer, animator, or gallery owner) once a semester.
  19. Inventory Overhaul: Create a digital spreadsheet for your supplies so you never run out of black Sharpies or white acrylic again.
  20. Start a classroom Instagram or TikTok to showcase the process of art-making, not just the results.
  21. Professional Networking: Join a local art teachers’ association or an online community to swap lesson plans and vent safely.
  22. Set a goal to apply for one small grant (like DonorsChoose) to fund a “dream” piece of equipment.
  23. Commit to calling or emailing two parents a month just to share a “creative win” their child had.
  24. Commit to rotating student work in public school spaces every three weeks to increase the visibility of the arts program to administration and parents
  25. Go to a museum or an art gallery!