In art education, we often find ourselves balancing a respect for traditional media with the reality of an increasingly digital world. But what if the two weren’t at odds? What if, instead of replacing our pencils, technology offered us new pathways into the creative process?

The world is changing—fast. And while academics still matter, so does the ability to manage emotions, empathize with others, and communicate effectively. This is especially true in the early years, when kids are forming not just habits of learning but habits of being.

AI can speed up the logistics and leave more time for the magic. It can scaffold learning for students who need a nudge and offer new lenses to those ready to run.

But here’s the thing: AI doesn’t feel. It doesn’t take risks. It doesn’t dig deep or sit in discomfort. It doesn’t know what it’s like to lose a loved one, or to feel lonely at a lunch table, or to be told you’re not "artistic." But your students do.

And that’s where the heart of art education still lives.

Art education isn’t a break from life—it’s how we make sense of it. This post challenges the idea of art as extracurricular and reframes it as essential to emotional development, empathy, and creative thinking. Rooted in research, this is a rallying cry to teach from the heart.