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Art Educators of Iowa Selects Two for Awards
Perry High School teacher David Pratt and Iowa State University Associate Professor of Art Dr. Barbara Caldwell have been selected to receive top awards from Art Educators of Iowa. Both recipients will be honored at an awards ceremony October 15 in Okoboji.
Pratt
is an outstanding teacher and leader in arts education in Iowa. As an active
member of Art Educators of Iowa since 1970, he has chaired committees and
won numerous awards for his teaching and service to art education. Pratt
has spent more than 30 years teaching art, advocating arts education, working
to make arts education strong and vibrant in Iowa and working as an artist.
The support of his family has deep roots for Pratt.
“An aunt who taught for 39 years invited me to her classroom many times where excellence was modeled and expected,” he said. “Her classroom was a celebration of life, thoroughly grounded in self-discipline and respect for others through the sharing of knowledge.”
Dr. Caldwell will receive the Distinguished Service Within the Profession Award, which recognizes an art educator who has contributed significantly to art education over many years. Caldwell was also selected as the national recipient of this award by the National Art Education Association.
Dr.
Caldwell oversees the New Art Basics program, a curriculum research project
between ISU and art teachers in Iowa. She brings national and global issues
to the attention of the AIE board and to her students on a regular basis.
Her compassion for her students and colleagues is just one facet of her
dedication to helping others in their work.
“It is my intention, as it has been since the beginning of my career, to help others discover and express their authenticity, honor the dignity and interconnectedness of the human family, and to have compassion for all of life – including themselves,” she said. “It is also important to stand up for what we believe, and to muster courage and a dash of humor when things get tough. Paperwork may be deep, time stretched and hurdles appear on the path, yet our creativity and commitment can serve us well as we move ahead.”
Art Educators of Iowa is a nonprofit organization unified with the National
Art Education Association and affiliated with the Iowa Alliance for Art
Education and the Association of School Curriculum and Development. Its
purpose is to promote excellence in visual arts education in Iowa through
the advancement of knowledge and skills, professional development, service
and leadership.
