GCPS teacher named Secondary Art Educator of the Year

     Lauren Christine Phillips, a Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology (GSMST) art educator, has been named the National Art Education Association (NAEA) Southeastern Region Secondary Art Educator of the Year. This award recognizes excellence in professional accomplishment and service by a dedicated art educator.

     “It is wonderful to be recognized by my peers who have supported my career in art education. I have learned so much from educators in both NAEA and Georgia Art Education Association (GAEA), and my students have benefited from these organizations as well,” Phillips shares.

     Phillips received the award in March during the NAEA 2025 National Convention. NAEA President Wanda B. Knight states, “Our NAEA awards recognize excellence in professional accomplishment and service by a dedicated art educator. These accomplished individuals exemplify the highly qualified art educators active in education today: leaders, teachers, students, scholars, and advocates who give their best to their students and the profession.”

     Phillips has taught for 25 years in Gwinnett County Public Schools at three different schools in the Norcross and Meadowcreek clusters. She appreciates how each school supports arts education for all students.

     “My fellow teachers and administrators see the value in the arts and respect what I do in my classes. I have never felt like my classes were less important than other subjects. The arts are integral to the educational experiences of all students,” Phillips adds. “My students are so creative in how they solve problems. I am always amazed how they can take any media and make something amazing with it!” 

     The mission of  NAEA is to champion creative growth and innovation by equitably advancing the tools and resources for high-quality visual arts, design, and media arts education throughout diverse populations and communities of practice. For more information about the Association and its awards program, visit the NAEA website at www.arteducators.org.