Award recipients are nominated by their peers and are teachers who show outstanding artistic achievement and service in education. I was nominated for this award by two art teachers, Mary Sorrells and Patricia Cummings (pictured).
Patricia, my co-representative for district #1, has been so impressed with my expertise in the classroom, and my willingness to share with others, she keeps a notebook titled “Things Jill Says”, where she records the millions of ideas that I share so freely with others.
Miss Patton stated that "I am constantly striving to improve, accomplish more, learn more and take on new projects. I am on a never ending quest to find innovative projects and units, which are engaging and highly creative. That I consistently integrate technology within my instruction, and this past year, implemented “Artsonia”, allowing my students to share their artwork through an online forum."
Mary says, "I have found that her commitment, dedication, and passion for everything she does is what I consider to be “off the charts”! Her knowledge of technology and integrating this into her teaching within the arts is amazing!! Once again, I would like to take this opportunity to give credit to someone who I believe is one outstanding Indiana Art Educator".
The award says that dedication to teaching children and colleagues, my hard work and tireless efforts, make me very deserving of the title “Elementary Teacher of the Year”.
There are many people that I feel have contributed to my growth and success as an art teacher: my middle school art teacher Mrs. Stout, College Professer Dr. Zimmerman and Dr. Gatlin, my Professional Learning Network, Lilly Fellows, Lake Prairie's staff, my family, and all of the great people of AEAI