Elementary Division Column: Spring 2023

It’s almost time for our annual National Art Education Association Convention. This year we will be in San Antonio, Texas, from April 13 to 16, 2023. One of my favorite parts of the Convention is honoring phenomenal and deserving art educators from our field. This year is no exception. At the All Division Awards Ceremony on Thursday, April 13 from 4:00 to 5:50, we will be honoring two outstanding elementary art educators.

Our Southeastern Region Elementary Art Educator of the Year is Cindy Lau Quan Hong. Cindy teaches at Springdale Elementary School in Macon, Georgia. Cindy’s principal, Cami Rae Hamlin says,

As a longtime contributor to her community, she demonstrates the ability to support and to collaborate with colleagues in support and encouragement of professional and personal growth. She is ethical, disciplined, and an art educator of extraordinary character and clearly exhibits knowledge and skills related to academic excellence and service scholarship. Mrs. QuanHong will continue to be an engaging, supportive and reflective art educator. She conveys a positive enthusiasm for learning, her students’ and colleagues’ well-being, and the thousands of elementary students impacted by her life’s work.

Congratulations, Cindy!

Our Western Region Elementary Art Educator of the Year is Jonathan Juravich. Jonathan teaches at Olentangy Local School District in Columbus, Ohio. Jonathan’s colleague, Vincent De Tillio, shares about Jonathan,

In the classroom, Jonathan is an engaging and compassionate educator. His students create art, while also learning about themselves and developing deep connections with others. He creates a space for students where they feel a deep sense of belonging. As our Department Chair for Elementary Art, Jonathan works to enhance our K-12 visual arts program. He regularly facilitates professional learning that is designed to meet both the pedagogical and social emotional needs of our staff. Also, he advocates by collaborating with central office administrators to ensure that the arts are a valued and essential component of the student experience.

Congratulations, Jonathan!

Jonathan will also be honored as our NAEA Elementary Art Educator of the Year! Jonathan’s OAEA colleague, Juliann B. Dorff, tells us,

To be in Mr. J.’s classroom is to be seen and appreciated. Everyone in Liberty Tree Elementary knows Mr. J. first by his signature plaid shirt (he has a variety, and this has become his uniform) and by his warm smile. When students are talking to him, he is fully focused on them. He gets to know each of his students beyond just their name, he knows them and honors them.

Congratulations again, Jonathan!

We can’t wait to see you in San Antonio to celebrate these deserving art educators, among others from across all Divisions and all Regions!

Column by:

Tiffany Rice, Elementary Division Director
Tel: 608-377-1409. Email: tiffany.beltz@gmail.com

Elect: Devon Calvert, K–3 Art Educator, School District of Milton, WI.

Regional Directors:
Eastern: Jennifer Leniart, leniartj@stratk12.org
Southeastern: Sean Murphy, smurphy@acps.k12.va.us
Western: Ashley LaVoy, alavoy@tps.k12.mi.us
Pacific: Don Masse, dmasse71@hotmail.com