Sammamish High Teacher Named Art Educator of the Year by Professional Group

Art Teacher Lisa Crubaugh has been named the 2011 Art Educator of the Year by the Washington Art Education Association (WAEA). Crubaugh was nominated by her peers for the award, which recognizes outstanding professionalism, service, promotion and support of the visual arts by art teachers in Washington.

This is Crubaugh’s first year teaching art classes full-time at Sammamish High School. For the previous 14 years, Crubaugh was the Art Curriculum Developer for the District and also taught part-time. This year, Crubaugh is sharing her expertise with students in her ceramics, art and design, photography, and drawing and painting courses. Crubaugh is a National Board Certified Teacher.

Crubaugh spearheaded an ambitious project to display seven years of student artwork in an online student art gallery. “This is my baby,” says Crubaugh, who believes the gallery is the reason why she won the award. In addition to showcasing student talent, Crubaugh says the gallery is also a resource for other art teachers in Bellevue and across the nation. Teachers can visit the gallery to see diverse examples of projects to use in their own classrooms. “I’m most proud of that, being able to share it with teachers all over the country” says Crubaugh. “All these teachers work so hard and are willing to share their best student work with the whole community.” Click here to view the gallery.

Crubaugh also organizes two district-wide student art shows each May. Artwork from students in kindergarten through eighth grade is displayed at Crossroads mall. High school students are selected to participate in a juried show at Meydenbauer Center. “Without question, one of my favorite projects is being able to give students awards for their work, especially awards supported by the community,” says Crubaugh. Student award winners receive gift certificates to a local art and frame shop. After the show, student artwork is displayed at the Bellevue Art Museum and the main District offices.

Crubaugh was presented the Art Educator of the Year award during WAEA’s annual Award Gala on Saturday, October 15. The award is the highest honor given by the association, which promotes excellence in visual arts education in Washington State. As a state winner, Crubaugh will also be recognized at the National Art Educators Association awards next spring.
Crubaugh is the second Bellevue teacher in two years to be recognized by WAEA.

Last year, Mary Bena of Medina Elementary was named Elementary Art Educator of the year by WAEA.

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