In this episode of The Research to Practice Gap, Dr. Helen Flores sits down with Dr. Hank Samuels to explore the role of creativity, imagination, and arts integration in education. Together, they discuss why so many educators believe they are "not creative," how schools often separate art from learning, and practical ways teachers can incorporate creativity into everyday instruction. Dr. Samuels shares research-based insights and accessible strategies that help educators cultivate joy, deepen student engagement, and create more meaningful learning experiences across all grade levels and content areas.

Resources for Teachers:

8 Ways to Use Music in the Language Arts Classroom

Artist in Residence

Arts Integration and Universal Design for Learning

Arts Integration Versus Arts Enhancement

The Institute for Arts Integration and STEAM

The Kennedy Center

Teaching Students to Critique Art

Why You Think You Aren’t an Artist

Research and Background:

Dr. Mary Weems

Miller, J. A., & Bogatova, T. (2018). Arts in education: The impact of the arts integration program and lessons learned. Journal for Learning through the Arts, 14(1).

Møller-Skau, M., & Lindstøl, F. (2022). Arts-based teaching and learning in teacher education:“Crystallising” student teachers' learning outcomes through a systematic literature review. Teaching and Teacher Education, 109, 103545.

Samuels, J. H. (2025). “To Be a Teacher Is to Be an Artist”: An Ethnodramatic Look into Preservice Teacher Experiences with Arts Integration. In The Educational Forum (Vol. 89, No. 3, pp. 312-324). Routledge.

Samuels, J. H. (2026). Scratching beneath the surface. Technology, Pedagogy and Education, 35(2), 275-295.

The Science of Arts Integration and Student Success

Artwork and logo by The Interior Gaze

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