When you walk into Lark Keeler’s Lower School Art room, you feel transported to a place where endless creative possibilities can be created. The room feels magical, and Ms. Keeler greets her students with a warm welcome and genuine excitement about that day’s art project. 

So, it seems fitting that Ms. Keeler has been named Florida’s Outstanding Art Educator of the Year for 2024. 

Ms. Keeler has been the Lower School art teacher at Saint Andrew’s for ten years and has taught art education for 24 years. She was nominated for this award by a fellow member of the Florida Art Education Association (FAEA) and then selected from among all of the divisions as “an individual within the membership who has achieved the highest level of professionalism in art education.” 

Ms. Keeler is no stranger to being recognized by FAEA. She was awarded the Florida Museum Educator of the Year in 2010 and the Florida Elementary Art Educator of the Year in 2022. 

In the past, she has served on the FAEA Board of Directors as a member-at-large, Museum Division Director, Elementary Division Director, and the organization’s President. However, being chosen as Florida’s Outstanding Art Educator among all the divisions was quite an honor. 

“I am grateful for the support of Saint Andrew’s School in providing a space where I can create an outstanding art experience for our Lower School students. SAS has supported my leadership and volunteerism in both state and national art education associations, helping me to develop my own voice for arts advocacy and make lasting contributions that will positively affect future leaders, teachers, and learners. It is a true honor to be recognized by the Florida Art Education Association, an organization that promotes art education in Florida through professional development, service, advancement of knowledge, and leadership opportunities.” 

The FAEA Awards Committee also announced that they will move Ms. Keeler’s nomination forward to be considered by the National Art Education Association (NAEA) for the national awards recognition program in Spring 2025. 

Ms. Keeler will be recognized at the Awards Breakfast during the 2024 FAEA Annual Conference on Saturday, October 19, in St. Petersburg, FL.

Ms. Keeler is an excellent example of a Saint Andrew’s teacher who is a game changer who cultivates and inspires our community of learners while providing world-class academic opportunities in a transformative setting. 

Congratulations, Ms. Keeler, and Go Scots!

Source: Saint Andrew’s Art Teacher Named Florida’s Outstanding Art Educator of the Year