One of the most foundational topics that every art educator needs to be familiar with is motivation theory.  Books on motivation addresses research and techniques to address students’ motivation but also teacher motivation.  Motivation impacts what, when, and how we retain information.  What can be more foundational to our art classroom. 

For those who are novices to the concept of motivation, I recommend purchasing one or both of these books. What every teacher should know about student motivation, by Donna Walker Tileston, 2nd Edition published in 2010, it is a short and to the point book. It covers basic terms and tips for classroom application.  Chapter two is my favorite in this book because it explains the cognitive foundations to what drives human motivation.   The second option for teachers new to motivation theory is Classroom Motivation by Eric Anderman and Lynley Anderman. First published in 2010, it is most likely on its third edition by now.  It is easy to read has eleven chapters, each a worth while read.  I particularly enjoyed the chapter on Working with Parents and Motivational Problems.