[stacey gross]
Illinois Art Educator of the Year
The Illinois Art Education Association has named Stacey Gross of Centennial High School the 2015 Illinois Art Educator of the Year. This award recognizes the exemplary contributions, service and achievements of one outstanding IAEA member annually. The award will be presented at the Illinois Art Education Association Conference at the Hilton Hotel in Lisle, IL on November 6th, 2015.
Stacey Gross was selected for this award on the basis of her outstanding commitment to visual art education at the local, regional, and national level.
Her dedication to her profession leaves a lasting impact on Dr. Judy Wiegand, Champaign Unit 4 Superintendent:
"Time and time again, Ms. Gross has demonstrated exceptional teaching and leadership skills. Her progressive approach to teaching, coupled with her advocacy for the art program, ensures that art plays a relevant role in the high school curriculum at Centennial and throughout the district."
Stacey states: "I am grateful to the Illinois Art Education Association for the honor of being recognized as the Art Educator of the Year and to those who supported my nomination, along with my colleagues, administrators, mentors and collaborators who inspire me to be the best teacher I can be and to instill a passion for art in my students. It's especially incredible to be honored for doing what I love! It's humbling to be singled out in a field of tremendous Art Educators, who do amazing work to bring meaningful art experiences to students in Illinois."
The IAEA is an association of the art educators of Illinois. The organization has been serving the children and art educators of Illinois for over 75 years by providing professional development for educators through workshops, conferences, grants, exhibition opportunities, facilitating communication, promoting conditions for the effective teaching of art, and working to influence educational change and reform.