Batavia High School, art educator receive Illinois Art Education Award

The Illinois Art Education Association has recognized Batavia High School as a School of Distinction for the second time. Batavia High School is one of only three schools receiving this prestigious award.

Batavia High School art teacher Kathleen Tieri Ton has been named the 2023 IAEA Secondary Art Educator of the Year.

The recognitions celebrate schools with rigorous art, design and media education programs. To earn the School of Distinction Award, Batavia High School evidenced practices directly reflecting the Illinois Professional Teaching Standards, Illinois Fine Arts and Media Standards and social-emotional learning priorities.

The School of Distinction Program recognizes schools that demonstrate excellence in the following areas: curriculum and assessment, authentic learning, showcasing student learning, connected communities, leadership and advocacy and professional development and training.

Tieri Ton was selected the 2023 Secondary Art Educator of the Year because the IAEA awards and scholarship committee found her professional performance, service and leadership exemplary, according to a news release from Batavia Public School District 101.

Tieri Ton is an art educator with expertise in design and creative career education at the secondary level, according to the release. She is dedicated to making art and design accessible to all students, supporting students interested in creative careers and creating welcoming school communities. She is passionate about the power of curriculum design, collaboration, the role of the teacher and the impact of learning spaces on art and design students.