2026 MAEA Teacher of the Year
Monica thompson
Montana Art Education Association is proud to announce that Monica Thompson. Monica is an extraordinary educator, a committed professional leader, and an accomplished artist whose contributions have strengthened both her students and the wider field of art education in Montana. In her current role at Rattlesnake Elementary School in Missoula, Monica fosters a classroom environment where students are encouraged to experiment, persevere, and think critically through the arts. She has an exceptional ability to reach learners of all ages and skill levels, guiding them not only in artistic techniques but also in the habits of reflection, confidence, and problem-solving that will serve them throughout their
lives.
Monica’s commitment to art education extends far beyond her classroom. For over a decade, she has consistently attended and presented at MFPE conferences, demonstrating her investment in continued professional growth and her willingness to share her expertise with colleagues statewide. She has also served the Montana Art Education Association as Treasurer, providing long-term leadership that reflects her dedication to strengthening the professional community of art educators across Montana.
Her sustained engagement with her own artistic practice further distinguishes her as a teacher. Monica’s exhibitions—including solo shows at the Lewistown Art Center, Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art, and The Artist’s Shop, as well as participation in the Montana Museum of Art & Culture’s 2024 Threads exhibition—model for her students the discipline, passion, and creativity of a practicing artist. This ongoing professional work feeds directly into her teaching, enriching her classroom with real-world connections to the art world.
lives.
Monica’s commitment to art education extends far beyond her classroom. For over a decade, she has consistently attended and presented at MFPE conferences, demonstrating her investment in continued professional growth and her willingness to share her expertise with colleagues statewide. She has also served the Montana Art Education Association as Treasurer, providing long-term leadership that reflects her dedication to strengthening the professional community of art educators across Montana.
Her sustained engagement with her own artistic practice further distinguishes her as a teacher. Monica’s exhibitions—including solo shows at the Lewistown Art Center, Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art, and The Artist’s Shop, as well as participation in the Montana Museum of Art & Culture’s 2024 Threads exhibition—model for her students the discipline, passion, and creativity of a practicing artist. This ongoing professional work feeds directly into her teaching, enriching her classroom with real-world connections to the art world.
Nominations now open for teacher of the year 2027
Past MAEA ToY Recipients :
2024 Laura Elliott
2024 Katherine Ruland
2023 Mrs. Theresa Jacobs
2022 Mrs. Jenny Bevill
2021 Mr. Frank Jacques
2020 Mrs. Connie Barnhart
2019 Mrs. April Fox
2018 Mrs. Cortni Harant
2017 Ms. Jennifer Combe
2016 Dr. Priscilla Lund
2015 Ms. Frankie Kelly
2024 Katherine Ruland
2023 Mrs. Theresa Jacobs
2022 Mrs. Jenny Bevill
2021 Mr. Frank Jacques
2020 Mrs. Connie Barnhart
2019 Mrs. April Fox
2018 Mrs. Cortni Harant
2017 Ms. Jennifer Combe
2016 Dr. Priscilla Lund
2015 Ms. Frankie Kelly
Our 2026 MAEA award recipient will go on to be nominated for the NAEA Pacific Region awards in the same category.
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