West Named 2005 Gwinnett Teacher of Year

Deborah D. West was named Gwinnett County Teacher of the Year for 2005. West, a visual arts teacher at Level Creek Elementary School, was chosen as Gwinnett's top teacher from 97 nominees in a system-wide vote of teachers and administration.

West had not always planned to become a teacher. However, two months after receiving her bachelor's degree from the University of South Carolina and pursuing a career in graphic design, West felt that she was not making a difference. She returned to school and became certified in art education. She received a master's degree in education (1999) and a specialist's degree in art education (2004) from UGA.

West believes that the visual arts are an ideal vehicle to help children learn and succeed. She sees her role as an art teacher as integral in helping students build connections across the curriculum.

“Teachers need to provide environments that allow children to become successful readers, writers, speakers, listeners, problem solvers and critical thinkers,” she says. “Every child needs to feel successful. The arts allow me to teach to that success on a daily basis.”

West's students work both independently and collaboratively, using a variety of media that involve critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. “There are no exact answers in art and students learn to solve problems visually,” she explains.

When students prepare for a new unit in West's class, they begin with a responding chorus of “I am an ARTIST,” and “If I try, I can!”

In her school community West hosts “Parent's Art Night at School,” to raise money for hunger programs with the Empty Bowls dinner project. She has also created school murals and invited community artists to the school. In West's community she owns a children's art studio and regularly exhibits students' work throughout the county. During Youth Art Month, West also coordinates numerous activities to bring parents, students and the community closer together.

In 2003, West earned National Board Certification. She is the president of the Georgia Art Education Association and has served as state coordinator for Youth Art Month three times. West has coordinated the state's largest art education conference and currently serves as a Georgia delegate for the National Art Education Association (NAEA).

WRITER: Nicole Richardson, 706/583-0811, nrichard@uga.edu