ArtsGreensboro presented the 2017 Wells Fargo Arts Education Teacher of the Year Award yesterday to Heather Ellington, Art teacher at Kiser Middle School in Greensboro. Mrs. Ellington received the award during the Guilford County Board of Education Meeting, and will be recognized again at ArtsGreensboro’s Annual Meeting on June 21.
Established in 2006 by ArtsGreensboro in partnership with Guilford County Schools and sponsored by Wells Fargo, the Arts Education Teacher of the Year award recognizes an outstanding arts educator in the Guilford County School System.
“Wells Fargo is proud to support ArtsGreensboro and recognize the valuable work of Mrs. Ellington with the Wells Fargo Arts Education Teacher of the Year award,” said Clarence McDonald, Business Banking manager and market president for Wells Fargo. “We take pride in supporting Greensboro, as well as the arts and culture in our local communities. Our goal is to help build strong and vibrant communities, improve the quality of life, and make a positive difference.”
Mrs. Ellington was nominated by students, fellow teacher and administrators and was recognized for her ability to inspire others, take initiative with new opportunities and connect with students on a personal level. In 2015 she applied for a North Carolina State Grant which allowed her to create the first and only Digital Art Class in the entire state. As a faculty sponsor of Kiser’s after-school Art Club, Mrs. Ellington engages students in community outreach projects, including a small business project supporting the Urban Ministry through the sale of ceramic bowls.
One of Mrs. Ellington’s art students, Charlotte Van Schaack, said, “Mrs. Ellington is by far the best teacher I have met at Kiser Middle School during my three years there. She has not only made sure that I and all other students in class succeed in our works of art, but she has helped me work outside of school to pursue art further. I am truly fortunate to have met her.”
Mrs. Ellington received a plaque and $1,000 for professional development. The award was presented by ArtsGreensboro Marketing and Communications Manager, Kaitlin Smith.
