Abridged by any zines necessary

This abridged version of by any zines necessary: a lifevest for teachers in crisis was developed for distribution at the National Visual Art Education Conference 2026. This presentation reframes teacher wellbeing beyond individualised “self-care” by positioning professional learning as a communal, creative practice. Drawing on arts-based educational research with early- to mid-career Visual Arts & Design teachers in Naarm/Melbourne, the session shares co-making methods, including zines, collage, and mapping, that surface assessment pressures, staffing shortages, and post-pandemic fatigue while also rebuilding joy and purpose. Findings show that slow, small, shared making routines embedded in existing structures foster connection, reflection, and renewed agency. Building on communities of practice and professional learning communities, the talk proposes a shift from compliance-oriented professional development to community-made professional learning that is teacher-led, care-oriented, and playful - the very dispositions we cultivate with students. Attendees will see practical examples and open resources that turn everyday moments into sustaining professional learning, and will consider how material, affective encounters can create spaces of holding and collective pause so art teachers can navigate burnout, remain creative and critical, and stay in love with teaching.