Meet Megan Bye

We were lucky to catch up with Megan Bye recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Megan with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

As the first member of my immediate family to complete both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, I don’t take lightly the opportunity I’ve had to work in a field that I not only love, but one that nurtures my creativity. It’s a privilege that I hold close every day.
My mother attended the Layton School of Art in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in the 1970s, but due to financial difficulties, the school closed in 1974 before she could complete her program. Despite this, she is an incredibly talented artist. She freelanced and worked primarily at our family business as a secretary/bookkeeper, while my father served in the Air Force at 18 and worked various sales positions throughout my childhood. I grew up watching them both work hard to provide for my brother and me, and I witnessed their efforts to afford us opportunities that they didn’t have growing up. They encouraged us to get good grades and pursue higher education.
I realize how fortunate I am to have found my passion and to have been able to work as an art educator for more than 20 years in a school district where I feel truly supported. I carry with me the lessons instilled in me by my parents: the importance of family, the value of hard work, and the belief in following the Golden Rule. These lessons have shaped the way I approach my work in education, especially in the ever-evolving landscape of public schooling. They’ve enabled me to show up every day, ready to face new challenges and continuously strive to make a positive impact.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

My greatest accomplishment lies in my work with students, especially the artists I have the privilege of nurturing and mentoring every day. As a supporting teacher for student teachers in the Milwaukee area, I provide guidance and expertise, helping shape their development as educators. Additionally, as a Cooperative Educational Service Agency (CESA)-certified teacher mentor, I have mentored ten teacher mentees since 2021, playing a role in cultivating the next generation of passionate educators.
As a member of the National Art Education Association (NAEA), I actively contribute to the field through presentations and my involvement in the Connected Arts Network (CAN). Through action research and collaboration with art educators nationwide, I strive to advance the profession. In 2025, I had the honor of presenting at the NAEA Convention in Louisville, KY, where I focused on adaptive arts integration to make art education more accessible to all.
I also had the opportunity to be a team developer for the elementary art curriculum in the Waukesha School District and created a virtual art course on the BlackBoard 9 platform. My work has been recognized through multiple Waukesha Education Foundation grants, and I’ve contributed to local Waukesha Art Exhibitions. Throughout this journey, my family has been my greatest support, offering unwavering encouragement that has been a constant source of strength, allowing me to thrive both personally and professionally.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

The three most important skills and mindsets that have shaped my life and career are adaptability, exploring multiple ways to achieve an outcome, and harnessing the power of positive thinking and manifesting. These qualities have helped me navigate challenges and create growth opportunities, both personally and professionally.
Each of these skills can be incorporated into daily practice with time and determination. Adaptability is about being flexible and open to adjusting to changing circumstances, environments, and challenges. It has allowed me to stay resilient and keep moving forward, even when things don’t go as planned. I’ve learned to view change as an opportunity, not a setback. A useful practice for strengthening adaptability is journaling or regularly stepping outside your comfort zone. Doing so encourages the development of new skills and the ability to adjust your approach when needed.
It’s also essential to recognize that there isn’t always one “right” way to achieve a goal. By exploring multiple paths to success, we broaden our perspectives and enhance our creative problem-solving skills. One way to cultivate this mindset is by regularly evaluating your progress and being open to adjusting methods based on what is or isn’t working. This process helps develop awareness and flexibility, reinforcing that there are always multiple ways to reach an outcome.
The power of positive thinking can often be as simple as reframing tasks and challenges. For instance, replacing “I have to” with “I get to” shifts your mindset from obligation to opportunity. I practice gratitude daily by verbally expressing to those around me how they’ve had a positive impact on my life and letting them know how much I appreciate them. I believe we are 50% of every interaction, so I make a conscious effort to focus on my actions and reactions, knowing they shape the outcome of any conversation or situation. Surrounding yourself with individuals who radiate positivity and align with your vision also plays a key role in maintaining an uplifting environment.
By integrating these practices into your daily routine, you can nurture these vital skills and mindsets, cultivating growth and success in both your personal and professional life.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, I’ve learned that the best way to regain balance is to take a step back and focus on activities that ground me. One of my favorite ways to reset is by getting my hands in the dirt in the garden. There’s something incredibly soothing about tending to plants, nurturing life, and connecting with the earth. Putting your hands in the dirt can even boost your mood and immune system. It’s a simple, tactile experience that allows me to slow down and center myself.
Another strategy I rely on is practicing yoga outside, especially by candlelight. The combination of fresh air, gentle movement, and the calming glow of candles helps clear my mind and re-align my energy. Being outdoors and moving my body helps release the tension that builds up when I’m feeling overwhelmed.
Spending time in nature is essential for me. Whether it’s a walk through the woods, sitting by a river, or simply soaking in the beauty around me, nature has a unique ability to help me reset and restore my perspective. I also surround myself with animals—whether it’s sitting with my goats and chickens or cuddling with my dog Willie. Animals have an incredible way of bringing calm and joy into my life, providing a sense of peace and comfort.
When my mind starts to race, I also find that keeping my hands busy helps me redirect my focus. Whether it’s cooking, creating art, or outdoor work, the physical act of making something with my hands takes my mind off stress and allows me to reconnect with the present moment.
I find great relief in shifting my focus to serving others. Helping someone else—whether it’s through small acts of kindness, collaborating with a colleague, or simply offering a listening ear—reminds me that I’m part of a larger community and that the challenges I face are often easier to manage when I’m supporting others.
These practices help me center myself, find peace, and manage the overwhelming moments in life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://meganbye.my.canva.site/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.megan.bye?igsh=MTE3bzNpbHRheGYzdQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr. and https://www.instagram.com/art.with.ms.bye?igsh=NXNhbWh6OGxnd2M0&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/megancbye/
• Other: Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/the.megan.bye?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_4EMEAHK92AF6RW49HARS