ORLAND PARK, IL — An Orland District 135 art teacher is being celebrated for her passion, ability to spark joy in her students, and love of community.
Nancy Heuser, teacher at Center and Park schools, is the 2026 Illinois Art Education Association Elementary Educator of the Year.
Annually, the IAEA recognizes the top art, design, and media educators for their excellence and service to the field. Heuser exemplifies the award to its fullest, the association said in a release.
"Nancy Heuser is an enthusiastic elementary art educator who loves to spark joy and a love for art in her young students," the association said in a release. "As an art educator at Center and Park Schools in Orland School District 135, she introduces students in kindergarten through second grade to the magical world of art history, artistic exploration, and self-reflection."
Heuser's educational goal is to "guide students in their artistic journeys, create a safe classroom environment, and develop a diverse curriculum that emphasizes self-discovery, personal expression, and cultural connections.
"For almost 30 years, Nancy has developed an enriched curriculum that offers her students a diverse palette of knowledge and cross-curricular opportunities," the association said.
By using the Illinois State Standards and establishing learning targets within her lessons, she can build foundational, artistic, and critical thinking skills so her students can create, reflect, and take ownership of their artistic journeys.
"Nancy is always telling her students, 'You can never make a mistake in art, and always challenge yourself—it is how your brain grows,'" the association said. "It is those philosophies that help her students flourish as artists and expand their artistic abilities."
Heuser's classroom is filled with "a true sense of compassion, kindness, and empathy.
"It is her mission to cultivate an environment where students feel seen, loved, and safe," the association said. "Those building foundations create a community that respects diverse perspectives and encourages self-expression."
Heuser's love of community also extends to her town, where she serves as a trustee at the Orland Park Public Library. That role, the association said, enables her to have a voice within her community and fosters connection with other local organizations.
"When Nancy is not volunteering her time, she can be found in her art studio, happily painting or reading a good book," the association said.
The Illinois Art Education Association (IAEA) is the premier professional development provider for art, design, and media educators in Illinois. The organization serves thousands of teachers statewide through a wide range of programs and services
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