Penn’s Barbara Miller named Outstanding Art Educator in Indiana

Penn High School Art Instructor Barbara Miller received the Art Education Association of Indiana's Outstanding Educator Award at the state convention on Oct. 23, 2021.

Recipients of the award are recognized for demonstrating excellence in the classroom, active participation and leadership at the local, state, and/or national level, publications and/or exhibits, advocacy for the arts, and other art education related accomplishments.

Miller, who is also the curator/director of the Kingsmen Art Gallery, received her degree to teach art 1-12 from Ball State University in 1982. She taught at Mishawaka Catholic schools for two years, subbed for five years in four corporations, and taught Photography at Washington High School for one year prior to coming to Penn. She has been teaching at Penn since 1994.

“I love what I do as an Art Teacher,” Miller said. “I love art, teaching about art, and kids. I can't imagine doing anything else as a career. I love to make art of any kind, including drawing, photography, printmaking, jewelry, fiber art, sculpture, and poetry.

Miller’s works have been displayed in in numerous local exhibits in galleries and museums. She is a member of The Indiana Women’s Caucus for the Arts and the National Art Education Association. She has served on the Scholastic Art Committee since 1994 to help make worthy exhibition possible for students. It is the longest running and one of the largest and most prestigious art competitions for junior high and high school students in the nation.

A three-time Scholastic Award winner as a high school student, Miller has guided her students to numerous national, state and district awards.

“I feel truly honored to receive this award,” Miller said of the AEAI award. “As an art teacher who loves my job and my students, getting awards and honors for myself has never been my goal, however, it is an honor and very appreciated. I am truly humbled to receive this award.