Jason Blair is a transformative force in arts education, with over 20 years dedicated to unlocking the creative potential of young minds. As an elementary art teacher in Dublin, Ohio, and the Educator-in-Residence at the Columbus Museum of Art, Jason has established himself as a visionary leader whose influence extends far beyond the classroom. His innovative approach to education has reshaped how creativity is nurtured and valued in schools nationwide.

Your WHY  

When I was a kid, I didn’t play the game of school very well. I didn’t fit the mold of what a “good learner” was supposed to be. I wasn’t someone who conformed easily or complied without question. I didn’t quietly assimilate into a system designed to shape me; I resisted. I pushed back, not to cause trouble, but because deep down, I believed the system should have to fit me, not the other way around.

Thankfully, I had a strong support system at home. My parents always stood by me, and my dad, in particular, was my biggest cheerleader. As a creative artist himself, he understood that intelligence shows up in many forms. He reminded me often: it’s not that I wasn’t smart, it’s that the way I was smart wasn’t recognized or valued in school.

Still, refusing to play the game came at a cost. I left high school feeling small, ranked near the bottom of my class, and barely graduated. It wasn’t until I got to college, when I could chart my course, that I began to thrive. I discovered my voice. I realized that when I could engage creatively and express myself authentically, I didn’t just learn, I came alive. I was no longer a passive consumer of education or a reluctant agitator. I became an active participant in my growth.

That’s my “why.” It always has been, to create the conditions where every learner can shine.

I believe school is not here to mold children; children are here to reshape the system. As educators, we must be agile, open, and deeply human. We must cheer, challenge, and champion each child, and sometimes step aside so they can step forward.

My why is rooted in building systems that honor who children are, not who they’re expected to be. Systems that are fair, sustainable, and beautiful, for all of us.

Your Background

On paper, I might come across as shy, an introvert in an extroverted world. But I don’t say that with shame or hesitation. I’m a proud introvert. My quiet nature has been one of my greatest strengths. It allows me to observe deeply, to listen intently, and to notice patterns and connections that others often miss. My artist’s heart helps me see how the world fits together in unexpected, beautiful ways and how our lives are more interconnected than we often realize.

When I began my career in education, I lacked confidence. I was constantly seeking approval, unsure if my voice mattered. I started as a traditionalist, someone who could’ve taught 50 years ago and fit right in. 

Even as an art teacher, I unconsciously reinforced the myth that learning was about following directions to produce tidy, polished products. Creativity, in my early practice, had boundaries.

But as I found the courage to share my voice, everything began to shift. With every affirmation, every moment someone said, “your ideas matter,” I grew more confident. I began to step out.