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Cassie Stephens

Cassie Stephens

By Cass Stephens

I'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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Chalk Pastels in the Art Room

Cassie StephensJan 26, 2020

00:00
31:27
(Re)Discovering Your Passion and Finding Your 'Thing'

(Re)Discovering Your Passion and Finding Your 'Thing'

My last couple of episodes might have struck a chord with you if you were in a place like I was several years ago: "I don't know what my THING is!" Everyone seems to have their passion, their purpose and it can be downright scary if you feel you don't have your own. Let's talk about it today and discuss ways to find your 'thing'. 

Jul 12, 202126:23
How to Tackle Your BIGGEST Goal!

How to Tackle Your BIGGEST Goal!

Like, what is your biggest goal? The one you DREAM about? What's stopping you from going after it? 


Now is the time! Take a listen and I hope to help you take some baby steps to get there. Show notes can be found on my blog:

Cassiestephens.blogspot.com

Jun 14, 202133:14
Do You have to Suffer to Succeed?

Do You have to Suffer to Succeed?

In this podcast episode, I share some thoughts on just this notion. What do you think? 

You can find the books and movies I reference over on my blog: cassiestephens.blogspot.com.

You can buy my book or purchase a ticket to the Art Teacherin' Extravaganza here: https://art-teacherin-with-cassie-stephens.myshopify.com

Jun 07, 202126:18
Best Supplies for Sewing, Embroidery and Weaving!

Best Supplies for Sewing, Embroidery and Weaving!

So I got a C (for "Cassie"!) in textiles in college. During my first year teaching, when 'weaving' was apart of the curriculum, I panicked. That was 23 years ago...since then I've learned to love all things textiles myself. It's become one of my favorite things to teach! In this longwinded podcast, I'll be sharing with you all of my very favorite supplies for sewing, embroidery and weaving!

Mar 28, 202151:10
Are You An Art Teacherin' Workaholic?

Are You An Art Teacherin' Workaholic?

And if you are, what should you do about it? Let's talk about it because if you are running around like crazy each and every day, that's not healthy or sustainable. Trust me, you can still be an amazing art teacher AND have priorities that don't include teaching art. 

Mar 23, 202125:40
5 Things I've Changed My Mind About as an Art Teacher

5 Things I've Changed My Mind About as an Art Teacher

There are certain art teacherin' truths I used to really cling to...and here's five of them that I've changed my mind about. 

Mar 15, 202129:04
How to Deal with Art Teacherin' Exhaustion

How to Deal with Art Teacherin' Exhaustion

I dunno about you all but I. AM. BEAT. BUT I'm trying my hardest to work my way through this exhaustion with my Top 8 Tips to combat this fatigue and make the most of our art teacherin' lives. 


Also chatting about the Art Teacherin' Extravaganza! You can find out more here: 

https://www.etsy.com/shop/CassieStephenz?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=953280630&fbclid=IwAR3ffUDwPO5IHby07X0gR4Pb1NS8LFJKgd5DTOboefN6JuzLwD0JI34qn-Y

Mar 01, 202139:29
Dealing with Bullies, Part 2

Dealing with Bullies, Part 2

I was recently asked about this...and even tho I've spoken about dealing with bullies in Episode 35...I am coming to this topic from a different perspective this time. It may help to listen to both episodes. In Episode 35, I speak a lot about my experiences. In this one, let's focus on how to deal because it may be more about changing your perspective or, as I call the, your Insecurity Sunglasses. 

Feb 17, 202128:14
How I Became a Magical Time Bender

How I Became a Magical Time Bender

My most frequently asked question is: how do you get so much accomplished. First of all, LOLZ, y'all, it's all smoke and mirrors! BUT I am sharing my top three time-bending tricks today! I think they'll work for you too!

Feb 08, 202130:23
My 25 Year Struggle with Disordered Eating

My 25 Year Struggle with Disordered Eating

This podcast episode has been on my mind since I started my podcast. But, honestly, I wasn't comfortable talking about it for many reasons...which I talk about here. If you suffer from disordered eating, know that this episode may trigger you...although I am very careful not to get into details of my specific eating disorder as that's private...and triggering for some, I know. I want you to know, if you suffer, you are not alone. Sending you all the strength and love. 

Feb 03, 202129:28
Do More of What Makes You Happy: Dance Therapy Edition!

Do More of What Makes You Happy: Dance Therapy Edition!

That's right...it's a therapy sesh where I'm gonna share what has been making me (and my students!) happy...dancing! Take a listen and feel free to dive into my Dance Therapy playlist created just for you! 

Jan 27, 202120:08
Be Your Own Rock

Be Your Own Rock

I've been struggling a lot lately with being strong. Who can I rely on? Who can I count on? Everything is wild and crazy right now and it has been getting to me in a way it never has before. What to do? I'm learning to be my own rock. To learn to rely on myself even if I'm completely unreliable. I hope this podcast helps if you are feeling stress, fear and/or anxiety. 

Jan 25, 202120:32
School-Wide Murals Inspired by Songs!

School-Wide Murals Inspired by Songs!

We kicked off this school year with a What a Wonderful World Mural and it's been so fun to create and beautiful to see! I thought I'd share the process with you. On my blog post, you can take a tour of the mural as well as take a peek at the many school-wide collabs we've created over the years. Have fun!


Jan 24, 202120:01
Dealing with Teacher Stress with Dr. G!

Dealing with Teacher Stress with Dr. G!

Hey, y'all! This is the follow up to Part One of an interview I did with Dr. G...get your pencils ready! She's got more amazing information to share that will help us and our students navigate this school year!

Aug 24, 202028:10
Dealing with Teacher Stress with Dr. G! Part 1

Dealing with Teacher Stress with Dr. G! Part 1

My first interview! I'm so excited to be joined by Dr. Gilboa or Dr. G who has so much helpful advice to share. Be sure and tune to Part 2 of this interview for more amazing advice. 

Aug 16, 202028:33
How to Prepare for the Unknown, Part 1

How to Prepare for the Unknown, Part 1

How are you feeling about this upcoming new school year? YEAH, MEE TOOOOO! I hope this episode helps you mentally prepare for the unknow. 

Jul 13, 202017:10
How to Prepare for the Unknown, Part 2

How to Prepare for the Unknown, Part 2

Follow up episode to Part 1 of How to Prepare for the Unknown! Enjoy!

Jul 13, 202016:59
Top 8 Tips to Surviving and Thriving Home-Based Teaching

Top 8 Tips to Surviving and Thriving Home-Based Teaching

Well, here we are. Stuck inside...and still wanting to connect, teach and reach our students. So how can we do that? I've been doing so for the last couple of days now and I feel like I've learned so much along the way. I'm hoping this podcast episode helps you out at least a little. Just know, we'll get through this and come out the other side even better for it! Love y'all! 

Mar 18, 202015:48
Printmaking Made Easy, Part 2

Printmaking Made Easy, Part 2

In this follow-up episode to Episode 46...turns out I have a lot to say about printmaking! In this episode, I'll be talking about collagraph prints and monoprints. I'll also be sharing what it is we do with our printing plates when we are done with printmaking as well as what we do with all of those prints! 

Mar 09, 202023:57
Printmaking Made Easy, Part 1

Printmaking Made Easy, Part 1

I never took a printmaking class in college and it's a huge regret as I had no clue how to teach printmaking to small humans. I mean, I don't know about you but I wasn't about to put carving tools in their hands! Over the years, I've learned some printmaking hacks that have made printmaking not only one of my favorite things to teach but also inexpensive and mess-free! In this episode, I'll be sharing all things Styrofoam printing: what supplies to buy, how to organize it all and what to do with those prints. If you visit my blog, I'll be sharing my very favorite printing projects to give you a visual on all that I'm sharing here. Thanks for listening!

Mar 09, 202024:55
Marker Hacks That You Never Knew About!

Marker Hacks That You Never Knew About!

Okay...so, markers. I know what you are thinking: Really, Stephens? You have a whole episode on markers?! Yes! And you bet your bottom dollah you gonna learn a thing or two. From how to dissect them to how to recycle them, make marker juice, paint with them and so much more. Stay tuned at the end for my three favorite things this week. And be sure to check out our awesome sponsor, I'm so excited to share their product with you!

Feb 16, 202031:27
All Things Oil Pastels: Hacks, Lessons, Tips and Tricks!

All Things Oil Pastels: Hacks, Lessons, Tips and Tricks!

There is so much in this episode you won't wanna miss it. Even if you think you know everything there is about oil pastels, I have some tips that will surprise you! For instance, did you know that you can clean oil pastels? Did you know that there is one household item that will turn oil pastels into paint? AND did you know that soaking pastels overnight does something magical? You'll have to listen to find out more...and check my blog for the lessons mentioned in the podcast, all free and many with video! Enjoy!

Feb 04, 202036:08
Chalk Pastels in the Art Room

Chalk Pastels in the Art Room

I'm spilling the BEANS on all things chalk pastels: my favorite hacks, my favorite projects and all that I learned while creating this episode! Also, I have a BIG announcement. I'm excited to share our sponsor this week AND a new segment at the end. Thank you for listening!

Jan 26, 202031:27
All Things Clay, Part 3

All Things Clay, Part 3

Okay, 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!

Dec 01, 201923:07
All Things Clay, Part 2

All Things Clay, Part 2

Now 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! 

Nov 25, 201930:19
Intro to All Things Clay!

Intro to All Things Clay!

Isn'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 you enjoy! 

Nov 18, 201927:58
My Favorite Early Finisher Activities!

My Favorite Early Finisher Activities!

"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!

Oct 28, 201928:28
Dealing with Bullies in Your School

Dealing with Bullies in Your School

Oh, 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. 

Oct 13, 201928:17
Time to Take Your Creative Vitamins

Time to Take Your Creative Vitamins

You 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!

Oct 02, 201923:21
Dear Cassie...Questions and Answers!

Dear Cassie...Questions and Answers!

This 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 cassieart75@gmail.com. 

Aug 26, 201920:53
You are a Buried Treasure

You are a Buried Treasure

The 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. 

Aug 18, 201923:23
Painting with Children

Painting with Children

This 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!

Aug 18, 201932:21
Discovering Your Personal Happiness!

Discovering Your Personal Happiness!

The 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!

Aug 11, 201929:28
What My First Day Teaching Art REALLY Was Like

What My First Day Teaching Art REALLY Was Like

Okay. 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!

Aug 11, 201928:04
Getting Out of Your Creative Slump

Getting Out of Your Creative Slump

After 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. 

Aug 04, 201920:45
So You Wanna Write a Book, Huh?

So You Wanna Write a Book, Huh?

My 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! 

Jul 21, 201920:19
My Experience on Nailed It!

My Experience on Nailed It!

Since 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 any closer to achieving your goals...but it just might allow you to learn a couple things about your awesome self. Have fun listening! 

Jul 11, 201926:03
Discovering Your Art Teacherin' Identity

Discovering Your Art Teacherin' Identity

Discovering 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.

Jun 29, 201917:35
The Piano Story

The Piano Story

Warning: this story is not appropriate for young listeners or anyone sensitive to adult content. I mean, I don't cuss or anything (surprise!) but this is a completely NOT art teacherin' episode and strictly for fun and laughs. This story is one I tell to my closest of friends so consider yourself a good buddy. Also, this episode makes for an epic drinking game...you'll find out the magic word within the first five minutes. Enjoy!

Jun 29, 201915:47
What Teachers without Children of their Own Want You to Know

What Teachers without Children of their Own Want You to Know

I've been contemplating sharing this episode with you for a long time. This episode was very difficult for me to talk about and share but I truly felt like there were somethings that I needed to say. This episode may not be appropriate for younger listeners so please be advised. Thank you for letting me share this rough and raw side of my teaching and my life. 

Jun 29, 201926:45
Welcome to Art Teacherin' with Cassie Stephens

Welcome to Art Teacherin' with Cassie Stephens

I'm so excited to share all the ups and downs, ins and outs that my 20 years of art teacherin' and art makerin' has gifted me. This podcast episode serves as an introduction so you can know what to find when you join me here. Some weeks we'll chat classroom management while others we'll talk about how to get back to what brought us to teaching art in the first place: creating. It's a mixed bag of nuts, just like we folks who teach art. I'm so glad you are here.

Jun 19, 201915:04