2025 MAEA Teacher of the Year
Laura Elliot
Montana Art Education Association is proud to announce that Laura Elliott, the department chair of the school’s art program, has been named Art Educator of the Year. This prestigious recognition highlights Laura’s unwavering dedication to arts education at the state and national levels.
With years of experience fostering students' creativity, Laura has been an integral part of the National Art Education Association (NAEA) and the Montana Art Education Association (MAEA), where she currently serves as vice president. Her commitment to professional service and leadership will continue as she prepares to step into the role of MAEA president next year.
In addition to her leadership roles, Laura has significantly impacted the arts community by sharing her expertise at national art conferences, offering valuable insights to her peers. Locally, she played a key role in organizing the Montana Art Interscholastic event in Missoula, where 178 high school students from across the state had the opportunity to collaborate with professional artists and immerse themselves in various art forms. This event left a lasting impression on students, helping to nurture their creative development.
Laura's passion for arts education and her commitment to inspiring the next generation of artists have made her a well-deserving recipient of this honor. Hellgate High School, the Missoula community, and MAEA celebrate her achievements and look forward to her continued leadership in the arts.
With years of experience fostering students' creativity, Laura has been an integral part of the National Art Education Association (NAEA) and the Montana Art Education Association (MAEA), where she currently serves as vice president. Her commitment to professional service and leadership will continue as she prepares to step into the role of MAEA president next year.
In addition to her leadership roles, Laura has significantly impacted the arts community by sharing her expertise at national art conferences, offering valuable insights to her peers. Locally, she played a key role in organizing the Montana Art Interscholastic event in Missoula, where 178 high school students from across the state had the opportunity to collaborate with professional artists and immerse themselves in various art forms. This event left a lasting impression on students, helping to nurture their creative development.
Laura's passion for arts education and her commitment to inspiring the next generation of artists have made her a well-deserving recipient of this honor. Hellgate High School, the Missoula community, and MAEA celebrate her achievements and look forward to her continued leadership in the arts.
Nominations now open for teacher of the year 2026
Past MAEA ToY Recipients :
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
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 2025 MAEA award recipient will go on to be nominated for the NAEA Pacific Region awards in the same category.
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