Elizabeth Maughan serves as the fine arts project manager at the Oklahoma State Department of Education. She has overseen Oklahoma fine arts standards revision (including new standards for dance, drama and theatre, and media arts) and the creation of a fine arts framework. In 2020, she helped obtain a $5.8 million federal grant (Art Tech) to expand Oklahoma fine arts education. She serves on various arts boards across the state and delivers professional development for arts educators. At the national level, she is past president of the State Education Agency Directors of Arts Education and she serves on the Organization of American Kodály Educators research and publications and awards committees. Elizabeth’s background is in music education, primarily at the elementary level. She completed a doctorate in music education at the University of Oklahoma in 2013.

Shea Murray is the visual and performing arts coordinator for the New Jersey Department of Education and a member of the State Education Agency Directors of Arts Education. Before joining the department, Shea worked in public education for 20 years and held various roles, including high school visual arts teacher, high school assistant principal, director of special services, and adjunct jewelry and metals instructor. Shea is a graduate of Rowan University, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Jewelry/Metals and Sculpture. He established a metals production studio and worked for other artists and design firms before dedicating his career to education.

Corine Czepiel is a dedicated high school art educator with more than two decades of experience inspiring students through creativity, innovation, and hands-on learning. She teaches sculpture and 3D design while integrating technology, cultural exploration, and interdisciplinary learning into her classroom. Corine was selected as one of five teachers nationally to pilot the SEADAE Customized Arts Learning Toolkit and is passionate about creating meaningful, inclusive art experiences that connect students to cultures and communities around the world. 

Elementary Art Educator

Katie Jarvis is an elementary art educator with 24 years of teaching experience. She creates content for Managing the Mess, where she shares practical ideas for art room routines, studio procedures, and classroom management. She shares classroom-tested strategies and real-world examples with art teachers through YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook, supporting educators around the world in organized and engaging art rooms. 

Professor of Art Education, Director of PhD Programming in Art Education
Florida State University

Jeff Broome is a professor and director of PhD programming for the Department of Art Education at Florida State University. He previously served as the Director of the Higher Education Division of both the National Art Education Association (NAEA) and the Florida Art Education Association (FAEA), and as co-chair of the 2019 and 2020 Art Education Research Institute Symposium. He was named the 2016 Higher Education Art Educator of the Year by FAEA, and the 2020 Southeastern Region Higher Education Art Educator of the Year by NAEA. Previously, Jeff worked for the University of North Texas, the University of Georgia, and as a public school art teacher, where he received a Teacher of the Year Award from Cypress Creek Elementary. He is the current President-Elect for FAEA. His forthcoming book, titled Managing an Art Classroom With Care: Stories From the Field, is set for release in 2026. 

K-12 art teacher and The Art of Education Advisor and Student Coach 
The Art of Education University, Iowa

Tasha Newton is an award-winning art educator from Wisconsin with over 14 years of teaching experience. She spent 10 years teaching elementary art and 4 years teaching middle and high school art, creating safe and supportive environments where students are encouraged to take creative risks and explore new ideas. In recognition of her dedication and impact, Tasha was named the 2024 Wisconsin Art Teacher of the Year and the 2025 NAEA Northwestern Art Teacher of the Year. 

Beyond the classroom, Tasha enjoys traveling, reading, working in her ceramics studio, and making art alongside her children. She believes in the power of art to build confidence and community and sees her role not only as a K–12 educator, but as a resource and mentor for fellow teachers and her broader community. 

Elementary Art Educator
Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland

Leela Payne is a dedicated teacher and artist with over 30 years of experience in art education. Originally from Long Island, NY, she holds an undergraduate degree for Mansfield University, PA, and a graduate degree in supervision and the arts from Bank St. College and the School of Visual Arts. Leela has been with Montgomery County Public Schools for over 30 years, including New Hampshire Estates (a Title I primary school), Burning Tree, and Rock View Elementary working with students from PreK through 5th grade, including learning center programs. She has taught middle and high school students during the summer through creative adventures art camp, where she’s been involved with over 25 years based in the Washington, DC, area. Leela draws inspiration from the region’s museum and gallery scene, which fuels both her teaching and her personal art practice.

Lead Art Teacher
Plano East Senior High School, Texas

Tiffany Alvarez-Thurman is a veteran secondary art teacher with 21 years of experience teaching at all levels, including AP Art and Design, AP Art History, and IB Visual Arts. She is the curriculum specialist for Plano ISD Visual Arts and is the lead consultant and co-owner of Green Stripe Consulting LLC, where she leads trainings for arts educators, creates resources and courses for AP and IB Art, and provides professional development services for school districts. 

Supervisor of Visual and Performing Arts, Adjunct Professor Visual Art 
Newark Board of Education and Kean University 

Antonia N. Germanos is the supervisor of visual and performing arts for Newark Board of Education, overseeing preK–12 arts programs focused on curriculum, instruction, teacher training, and community partnerships. She is dedicated to ensuring all students access high-quality arts education, experience belonging, and find joy in learning.   

Germanos has also served as a preK–12 art educator, spent 10 years in nonprofit arts education, led as President of Art Educators of New Jersey, and served as Eastern Regional Director of Supervision/Administration for NAEA. 

She holds two master’s degrees in public school administration and visual arts education from Kean University; a bachelor’s degree in painting and drawing from Mason Gross, Rutgers University; and New Jersey state certifications for school business administrator, principal, supervisor, and teacher of Art K–12. 

Visual Art Supervisor
Prince George's County Public Schools, Maryland

Elizabeth Stuart has served as the visual art supervisor for Prince George’s County Public Schools in Maryland since 2014. She received a bachelor’s degree in art education from the University of Maryland, College Park; a master’s degree in education from the Maryland Institute College of Art; and her certificate in supervision and administration and doctorate in educational leadership with a superintendent’s certification from the University of Maryland, College Park. Stuart taught elementary art for 9 years and was the content specialist for art, theatre, and dance for Montgomery County Public Schools in Rockville, Maryland, for 7 years. Stuart received the NAEA National Art Educator of the Year Award in 2024 and the NAEA Gilbert A. Clark and Enid Zimmerman Leadership Award in 2023. She has presented at museums, as well as numerous state and national conferences on various topics concerning artificial intelligence, literacy, and leadership.

Fine Arts Coordinator
Howard County Public School System, Maryland

Gino Molfino has served as an artist, teacher, advocate, and education leader for the Howard County Public School System for over 20 years. He has collaborated to develop state, national, and district fine arts policies and practices that cultivate innovation in public education programming, curriculum development, and professional learning for educators that honor the teacher as an artist and promote contemporary practices in artmaking. As the current coordinator of fine arts for the Howard County Public School System, Gino is responsible for the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of the fine arts curricula, assessment materials, professional learning, and instructional supports for over 200 preK–12 fine arts (art, dance, theatre) educators in the district. 

Undergraduate Art Education Student, Miami University 

Reilly Powers is an undergraduate senior at Miami University majoring in art education with a minor in studio arts. She currently works as a substitute teacher, as well as Miami University's Art Museum. Reilly serves as the Western Region representative for the Preservice Division and she is also the Preservice representative for NAEA's Advocacy Committee. Reilly will begin her final student teaching placement at the end of January with both a high school and elementary placement.

Assistant Professor, University of Northern Colorado 

Abi Paytoe Gbayee is an assistant professor at the University of Northern Colorado. Abi spent 18 years in the classroom before moving into higher education. She has a BA in art education, an MA in educational leadership, and a PhD in curriculum and instruction—all from the University of Wyoming.  

Abi currently serves as the NAEA Pacific Region Vice President, she is a leader with TAB Colorado, and she is also a cohost of the TAB Storytellers podcast and the Building Better Burgers podcast. She also offers consulting for curriculum and standards, and she is also a content creator on several social media platforms in her spare time. Abi is passionate about art education, art educators, and helping students discover themselves as artists. 

Beyond the classroom and art education, Abi loves working on her house, road tripping, paddle boarding, and spending time with her two amazing kids. 

Elementary Art Teacher, Plano Independent School District 

Joseph Boatfield is an enthusiastic artist and art educator in the Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW) area. Throughout his career, he has gained invaluable experiences from working with students of various age groups and settings. He began his journey facilitating community outreach experiences for the Dallas Museum of Art in underserved areas of the city, and he now teaches elementary art in Plano, Texas. 

Emily Saleh, a visual artist, designer, and educator, passionately serves as a 4th- and 5th-grade art and design educator in central New Jersey, dedicated to nurturing learners and empathic citizens through art. With an honors BFA from Syracuse University, Emily’s philosophy emphasizes authentic, individualized, and peaceful learning experiences for all, infusing compassion and joy into the art studio. As the current Eastern Region Middle Level Division Director for NAEA, she champions the transformative power of art in fostering understanding, conscientiousness, and empathy. Emily’s advisory roles for nonprofits and district strategic leadership reflect her commitment to community engagement. She leads community art initiatives domestically and abroad, spanning topics from sustainability, service, literacy, and integrated arts. Emily thrives on collaboration, connection, and innovative art, celebrating creativity’s profound role in realizing our dreams. When not organizing or creating, she enjoys laughter-filled conversations about cats, food, Grey’s Anatomy, and travel adventures. 

Maria Knuckley Robinson holds undergraduate degrees in business administration and art studio/design, a Masters of Arts Teaching in Art Education, National Board Teacher Certification, and an Education Doctorate Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She is currently working on an MFA in Painting at SCAD to improve her own work in combining painting, printmaking, textiles, and mixed-media approaches. Maria has extensive training in drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, pottery, mixed media, photography, film, metal jewelry, 3D printing, and STEAM curriculum development. She is actively involved with Advanced Placement Studio Art and Design as a Table Leader and Consultant, NAEA as an At-Large Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Commissioner, and the South Carolina Department of Education’s Arts Assessment Program as an assessor, item writer, and professional development instructor. She has a consulting business called Artistry & Assessment; she travels to schools around the country to assist in developing growth in arts assessment practices. 

Visual Arts Educator, Central Islip Union Free School District 
Central Islip, NY

Candido Crespo is a husband, father, artist, and art educator. He has taught Kindergarten through 12th grade in the Central Islip Union Free School District in Central Islip, NY for 17 years. His educational philosophy is truly rooted in relationships and community. Crespo co-founded the One Love Art Sessions Podcast, was the host of Everyday Art Room podcast and has been a guest on multiple K–12 art chat podcasts. In addition to presenting on art education, Crespo has also led presentations on the ability of creativity to restore and strengthen family bonds to multiple mental health providers. He also founded an initiative that aims to help fathers and male guardians add creativity to their parenting tool belt through community-based workshops entitled the creativiDAD project. 

Art Educator, Raleigh County Schools
Beckley, West Virginia

Currently teaching in West Virginia, Holly also dedicates her time to being a caregiver. Holly’s academic background includes a BFA from West Virginia University, MA from New York University and NAEA’s School for Art Leaders. Her teaching career spans kindergarten through eighth grade in Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. 

Teacher, Cobb County Schools 
Mableton, GA 

Born and raised in the Chicago suburbs, William Rembert was influenced by his high school art teacher Marcia Skinner who encouraged him to pursue art. After attending The School of the Art Institute of Chicago from 1979–1981, Rembert enlisted in the Army in 1985 to serve as an infantryman. He dedicated 20 years of his life to the Army before becoming a special education teacher in 2004, and then an art teacher in 2012.  He retired from teaching in 2024 and is now committed to his cultivating his artistic talents, which he rediscovered in 1998 after being asked to complete a portrait of a retiring commander. 

Vernon Fains attended the Maryland Institute College of Art where he earned his BFA in Visual Communications. He earned a BS in Art History and K–12 Certification at Towson University, where he also received his MA in Art Education. He currently teaches Grades 6–8 and students in the Communication and Learning Supports for Students With Autism (CALS) Program. He is the department chair, as well as a cross country and track and field coach, at Pine Grove Middle. Vernon also serves as a mentor to emerging and aspiring educators in the middle school classroom and as an adjunct professor with Towson University.  

Vernon has recently taken on the role with his state association as Vice President of Advocacy. His work in advocacy began as a Teachers Association of Baltimore County board member and a board liaison for the Minority Affairs Committee. He is part of the advisory team with the Anti-Racist Art Teachers. He also serves on the leadership team with National Education Association Leaders for Just Schools, which focuses on developing just and equitable learning environments for students and educators. 

Vernon believes art education is an essential part of a holistic learning journey for students of all ages. 

Abby Birhanu (she/her) is an artist and educator with a passion for fostering creativity and confidence in her students. With experience teaching middle and high school, she believes deeply in the transformative power of art education. Abby embraces choice-based art and Teaching for Artistic Behavior (TAB) pedagogies. 

Her involvement in the Fulbright Teachers Exchange Program, where she served as an exchange teacher to the United Kingdom, was a pivotal experience that reinforced her dedication to cross-cultural learning and teaching. Abby loves traveling and actively takes opportunities to engage in educational and cultural exchange opportunities. 

As an advocate for equity and inclusivity in education, Abby is committed to antiracist, antibias, and culturally responsive teaching. She strives to cultivate global citizens who appreciate and contribute to our diverse interconnected world community. 

Devon Calvert is an art educator who has shared his love of all art history–related with his K–3 students in Milton, Wisconsin, for the past 9 years. He is involved in the National Art Education Association, where he is Elementary Division Director. Devon has presented at the state and national levels on digital and contemporary art in the elementary classroom. 

When he is not busy teaching, Devon enjoys hiking; painting; watching movies; remodeling his home; and hanging out with his wife, Julia, and puppy, Birdie. 

Jesse Todero is a K–3 art teacher currently finishing her 3rd year. Jesse completed her undergraduate degree from the Kutztown University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science in Art Education, Bachelor of Art in Art History, and a minor in crafts. She is serving on the National Art Education Association Board of Directors as the Preservice Division Director. Jesse is also working toward her master’s degree in art education through The Art of Education University. At the core of her teaching philosophy is student-centered learning and building a strong classroom community. 

Carlos A. Cruz is a first-year, secondary art teacher at Evolutions High School in Providence, Rhode Island. With a background in animation, video editing, and photography, he focuses on creating digital art experiences for his students, regardless of their socioeconomic backgrounds. He knows from experience the importance of art education for all students and is excited to share his passion. He also currently holds two leadership positions within NAEA: Preservice Eastern Regional Director and President-Elect for the LGBTQ+ Interest Group.

Katie Threet is a recent graduate of Northern Kentucky University and first-year teacher at Holmes Middle School in Covington, Kentucky, which is right outside of Cincinnati, Ohio (confusing, yes). She proposed a new class to the school board, got it accepted, and is therefore about to embark on teaching Art & Career Choices to middle school students. She will be fusing the artistic process, design thinking, and career planning in this 16-week course. Katie loves to travel on a small budget, spend time with friends, buy antique trinkets, and paint en plein air. She has a huge spot in her heart for preparing preservice teachers and believes that her wild and crazy journey to become the teacher she always wanted to be can help others!

Theresa McGee is a passionate art educator who recently finished her term on the NAEA Board of Directors as the Western Region Vice President. She currently serves as co-chair of the NAEA Teacher Recruitment and Retention Task Force and is deeply committed to developing solutions for the problems currently plaguing the profession. As a National Board Certified educator, McGee has taught Art & Digital Media to all grades from K–8. She is frequent presenter both online and at local, regional, and national conferences covering topics on technology integration, design thinking, and literacy. She has served the Illinois Art Education Association as President, Vice President, Webmaster, and Webinar Coordinator.

Cathy Rosamond has an extensive background in higher education teaching and research, as well as museum education for K–12 students. At NAEA, she serves on the Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Commission. Her scholarship interests include artistic research, specifically in investigations that focus on diverse approaches to inquiry.