Megan Driving Hawk, a Perry High School photography teacher, was named the 2023 Arizona State Art Educator of the Year by the Arizona Art Education Association. Driving Hawk is in her eighth year of teaching fine arts with the Perry Pumas, but it's her tenth year teaching fine arts overall. She is also the Visual Arts Level Lead in the Fine Arts department. Additionally, she is the Indigenous Student Advisor and Teacher Equity Leader in Chandler Unified School District (CUSD).
"It is an honor to receive this award. I am a product of fine arts educators in Arizona, so to be awarded the 2023 Art Educator of the Year is a testament to the communal dedication of this Arizona Arts Ecosystem. A student and an administrator nominated me for this award, which makes receiving it the ultimate recognition," Driving Hawk said.
Angela Storey, CUSD Fine Arts Academic Coach, recommended Driving Hawk for the award and spoke of Megan's character after working with her for the last four years.
"Mrs. Driving Hawk is committed, driven, and professional. She shows genuine interest in her students, her school community, cultural diversity in schools, and in creating systems that work best for students and staff. On her campus, Megan serves as the National Art Honor Society Advisor. She has presented at both the state and national art association levels. She is also a Teacher Equity Leader, Indigenous Education Advisor, and National Board Certification Candidate," Storey wrote in her recommendation.
Storey also mentioned that Driving Hawk was one of the first teachers to encourage CUSD's participation in the Arizona State Seal of Arts Proficiency. Seals are earned on diplomas when students commit to obtaining credit hours, participating in extracurriculars, and completing capstone projects for their discipline of choice. Driving Hawk organized and led Perry's first Fine Arts Awards Ceremony Night.
Through her actions, it's clear that Driving Hawk has a deep passion for the arts in education and her students.
"Fine Arts Education supports students in finding their voice to express their experience of the human condition and helps them make sense of the world and their role in it. Fine Arts Education teaches cultural appreciation and how to respect different global viewpoints. It is a way to bring multiple perspectives to the classroom so students can become culturally responsive human beings," she said.
Congratulations to Mrs. Driving Hawk!
Are you interested in working with top-notch staff members or enrolling children in CUSD schools? Apply today at cusd80.com/apply or visit cusd80.com/enroll.
