Anna teacher honored as art educator of year

on Association, IAEA, has named Anna School District 37 teacher Josh Shearer as the 2013 middle level art educator of the year. Shearer is a resident of Cobden.

The award recognizes the exemplary contributions, service and achievements of one outstanding IAEA member annually.

The award was presented at the association's conference in October in Lisle.

In announcing the award, IAEA stated that Shearer "was selected on the basis of his outstanding commitment to visual art education in his field as well as his wider contributions in the Southern Illinois region."

Shearer teaches 3rd through 8th grade art in his classroom, which is known as Studio 37, in the Anna school district.

IAEA noted that Sheareer "is constantly working to provide a high quality artcurriculum for all students. As a result of his dedication, Southern Illinois University frequently places student teachers under his care."

The association said that "Shearer’s devotion extends well beyond the classroom walls, evidenced by a three-day, 350-mile art trip to Chicago for twenty of his 7th and 8th grade art club students.

"Additionally, Mr. Shearer serves as an instructor in the Summer Art For All program, a local program that offers free art classes for students, works as the coordinator of For Kids’ Sake, an annual event that helps local children with the production of artworks, and participates in many fundraisers for arts organizations."

Shearer has served as IAEA South Council vice president since 2012.

Shearer has made many advances to strengthen the network of art educators in Southern Illinois.

One example is his dedication to creating professional development experiences for art educators in Southern Illinois through the first and second annual South Council conferences at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

Shearer also presents workshops at local colleges, at his regional education office, during teacher’s academies and at the IAEA fall conference.

"Mr. Shearer’s tireless dedication to art education makes him an invaluable member of the IAEA advocacy task force," the association declared.

He is also active in the production of his own artwork, exhibiting over a dozen times in the past six years in solo exhibitions and group competitions.

“This great honor is truly a dream come true," Shearer said in response to receiving the award.  

"I am thankful for the privilege to serve our nation's future in such an important way, and fortunate to work with such terrific teachers. I look forward to striving to provide all students across Illinois with art education.”

IAEA is an association of the art educators of Illinois.