Thompson Jr. High teacher named Middle Level Art Educator of the Year

Randy Craig, a teacher at Thompson Junior High School in Oswego, has been recognized as the 2019 Middle Level Art Educator of the Year by the Illinois Art Education Association (IAEA). IAEA is the premier professional development provider for art, design, and media educators in Illinois. The organization serves thousands of teachers statewide through a wide range of programs and services.

Annually, the IAEA recognizes an outstanding art educator among a highly competitive slate of nominees. This year the awards and scholarship committee found Craig’s professional performance, service, and leadership to the field to be exemplary in every regard.

Craig is in his 14th year teaching art and graphic arts at Thompson Junior High School. He inspires students both in and out of the classroom with a wide array of teaching activities and lessons to help students think outside the box within the art realm. He demonstrates a true passion for the arts and works to instill that same passion within every student that walks through his classroom door. Craig’s artwork centers on illustration inspired by pop culture, graffiti and comic books and emphasizes the method of layering in creating his artwork.

“I am honored and humbled to receive this amazing award and to be recognized by the IAEA. There are so many people that have helped me become the art teacher I am today and I am grateful for all of their influences," he said, adding, "I take great pride in passing my love of the arts onto the students that enter my classroom. I hope to inspire them to recognize they are capable of great things if they are willing to try.”

Craig will be formally recognized by the IAEA at its annual Conference on Friday, Nov. 22, at the Q Center in St. Charles. Please join the Illinois Art Education Association in honoring and elevating Mr. Craig for this prestigious award.