Outstanding 2025 ART Teacher Recipients

Mrs. Elizabeth Moore is the Art Teacher at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic School in Leawood, Kansas. She teaches Art for Kindergarten through 8th grade.

She was nominated by one of her student's mom, Bethanee, that shared this note...

"It was an easy decision to nominate a teacher such as Mrs. Elizabeth Moore. Her passion for art education and her ability to make art fun for all of her students really sets her apart. She makes art fun for her students, and she encourages them through after school art camps that she holds throughout the school year. 

Mrs. Moore's art camps always fill up incredibly fast and her ability to connect with her students and to encourage her students to explore different types of art, including pottery making, makes her one of the best art educators in her field."

We are thrilled that we could honor Mrs. Moore and so appreciate her passion for ART with her students. She is an outstanding example of a teacher. 

Robyn Miller is the Art Techer at Mill Creek Campus in Olathe, Kansas. She was nominated by Heather Schoonover, Community Development Director, with the Olathe Public Schools. She teachers Art for 9th through 12th grade.

Heather shared this note...

"Robyn Miller's students and the Art Club at Mill Creek Learning Center are always hard at work bringing vibrant murals to life, transforming their campus into a gallery of creativity! Robyn brings inspiration in the classroom and joy to students facing challenges and connected to alternative education learning.

Her latest project, Blooming Canvas, showcases a beautiful collaboration between students and staff. Inspired by Frida Kahlo, every student and staff member created a unique flower design, which students then projected, traced, and began coloring directly onto the wall. The mural is designed to brighten the space and proudly display their collective artistic talent. Once the flowers are complete, students plan to add animals and three-dimensional elements. 

Another standout mural is the centerpiece on the side of the main stairs, featuring the Mill Creek logo and the logos of all the high schools. This design symbolizes unity, reflecting that while students will graduate from their home schools, they are all part of one shared community."

We love Robyn's passion for ART and sharing that with all her students every day. What a privilege to meet ART Educators like her that impact students in such a positive way using the ARTS. Teachers are so vital to inspire creativity within the hearts of students.

Jessica Manco is the Art Teacher at Van Horn High School in Independence, Missouri. She was nominated by Jenny Mendez, Director of Cultural Arts-Mattie Rhodes Center. She teachers Art for 9th through 12th grade.

Jenny shared this note...

 "She is an amazing teacher and artist - she knows how to connect with her students, challenge them and truly influence them in such positive ways.  I am fortunate to know many of her former students and can see first-hand the impact she has had in their lives and in their art.  The many art lessons she creates for her students are just outstanding!  She is an excellent arts educator and always puts her students first."  

We are grateful for teachers like Jessica who teach by example and share their love for the arts. She is also the Teacher of the Year for Van Horn High School. We love having her as one of our Outstanding Art Teachers in the Kansas City area for her expertise in teaching Art and inspiring her students.