Newark, MD, May 30, 2023 - The Maryland Art Education Association and Worcester County Public Schools recognized its Outstanding (Career) Art Educators for the 2022-23 school year. These honorees show excellence in their profession, provide quality art education to our students, and exemplify the definition of a creator and innovator. These teachers work with students within the classroom, outside of the classroom, help increase public awareness of the importance of the arts, participate in professional development, and help advance the profession.
We are proud to recognize Stephen Decatur High School’s Ms. Karen Ciancitto. She currently teaches Art I, Art II, Advanced Art, 3D Studio Art, AP Art and Design and AP Art History. She is constantly learning and growing in her profession, as this summer, she will attend the National Gallery of Art’s Summer Teacher Institute. Her calm, caring demeanor in the classroom brings a presence in the classroom that helps students feel safe, welcome and willing to take artistic risks.
Also recognized is Stephen Decatur Middle School Art Teacher Mrs. Janice Gault. Mrs. Gault is in her 22nd year of teaching art in Worcester County. For over two decades, she has shared her love of art with her students and molded them into budding artists. She has created a tradition of artistic excellence and creative self-expression at SDMS. Mrs. Gault will be retiring at the end of June and we wish her well in her future endeavors. We celebrate the powerful legacy she leaves behind at SDMS.
There is abundant research that supports that a high-quality arts curriculum enriches students’ education. It improves academic performance and focus, develops students’ social-emotional wellbeing, helps students develop critical thinking skills, and reduces stress. Worcester County is fortunate to be the home of so many talented arts teachers and we are particularly proud to celebrate these individuals this school year.
