Source; KAEA Awards

The Kansas Art Education Association (KAEA) has named Rolanda Root the 2024-25 Outstanding High School Art Educator of the year. The award will be officially presented at the KAEA Fall Conference on Saturday October 19 at 11 AM in the Rock Springs Conference Center Heritage Hall Auditorium, 5405 W. Hwy K157, Junction City, Kansas 66441-7455.

Rolanda Root is a highly respected teacher with 20 years of experience in Art Education. She currently serves as the 2D Art Teacher at Pittsburg High School. Root has studied at NorthWest Missouri State and the Kansas City Art Institute. She received a BS from Central Missouri State University.

According to her colleague Rebecca Lomshek,”Rolanda Root is not only an outstanding teacher but also a dedicated and inspiring artist. Her passion for art, commitment to excellence, and proven track record of success make her an ideal candidate for KAEA Outstanding High School Art Teacher of the Year.”

Samantha Warren, Pittsburg HS Instructional coach expresses appreciation for Root’s inclusive approach to education; “One of Rolanda’s most notable aspects of Rolanda’s teaching is her ability to support and engage all levels of students–from Adaptive Arts to Advanced Placement students.She is able to foster creativity in any student and provide them a safe place to explore and master their craft.”...(which)... “prepares them to be risk takers and critical thinkers after graduation.”

Root’s leadership abilities benefit educators across Kansas as she leads workshops in Botanical Printmaking in coordination with the Kansas State Department of Education and the Kansas Art Education Association. She also regularly exhibits her own art work locally and regionally.

Pittsburg High school principal Kelynn Heardt concludes Rolanda Root “is the exemplar of an educator we should all strive to be.”

The Kansas Art Education Association (KAEA) is a statewide professional organization dedicated to the growth and development of art educators and the advancement of high quality art education.