Niles West Educator to Receive Illinois Art Educator Award from National Association

Earlier this year, Niles West visual arts instructor John Zilewicz was named the Illinois Art Education Association’s (IAEA) Art Educator of the Year. The IAEA is the state’s professional organization for art education.

An art educator with more than 19 years of experience, Zilewicz impressed the selection committee with his contributions to art education through his personal qualities, teaching methods, collaboration with colleagues and art advocacy. Now, the national organization, the National Art Education Association (NAEA), has selected Zilewicz to receive the Illinois Art Educator Award. He will be presented with the award at the 2017 NAEA National Convention in New York, NY in March 2017.

Deborah B. Reeve, EdD, Executive Director of NAEA said, “There is no greater testament of your exemplary contributions to the field of visual arts education than being chosen for this prestigious award. Your colleagues throughout the United States and abroad join the NAEA Board of Directors in applauding your leadership, commitment and service to the profession.”