Two elementary art teachers from Gilbert Public Schools have received statewide honors from the Arizona Art Education Association (AAEA) for their work in arts education. Kecia Sweeney, who teaches at Islands Elementary, was given the Elementary Division Outstanding Art Educator Award. Tina Rey, an art teacher at Settler’s Point Elementary, received the Outstanding New Professional Art Educator Award.
The AAEA recognizes educators who make significant contributions to art education. Both teachers were honored during an awards dinner at the AAEA Annual State Conference on November 14 in Tempe.
“I was just amazed,” said Tina Rey, now in her second year teaching art at Settler’s Point Elementary. “To be nominated by my colleagues and recognized for the joy I bring to my students — it felt incredible. Art gives them a safe space to take risks, try new things, and grow in confidence, and that carries into their learning in other subjects.”
Rey teaches over 500 students from kindergarten through sixth grade. Her curriculum includes hands-on projects like clay creations and mummy sculptures that connect with lessons from other subjects. She aims to foster independence, creative thinking, and problem-solving among her students while following state learning standards.
Kecia Sweeney has spent 27 years teaching art across several schools within the district. At Islands Elementary and Highland Park Elementary, she works with about 700 students each year on projects such as plaster masks, clay dragon eyes, and metalwork inspired by Native American symbols.
“I love seeing students think outside the box and express themselves freely,” said Sweeney. “Art gives every child an equal opportunity to explore their creativity. This award is really a testament to the hard work of our students and the creative environment we strive for at every school.”
Gilbert Public Schools provides weekly art classes for all elementary students from kindergarten through sixth grade across its 26 schools in Gilbert and Mesa. The district’s elementary art program supports student development in areas such as math, reading, critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, confidence, motivation, and pride in creative accomplishments.
More information about arts education within Gilbert Public Schools can be found at GilbertSchools.net/Student-Life.
