Art teacher honored

One of Centerville Schools’ art teachers was honored during the National Art Education Association (NAEA) Western Region virtual awards ceremony on Feb. 27.

Alice Tavani, the art teacher at Watts Middle School, was recognized with the NAEA Western Region Art Educator Award.

“Alice is dedicated to ensuring that art is accessible to every student, and all students can find success in art when Ms. Tavani is their teacher!” said Watts Principal Brian Miller.

NAEA is made up of four regions, and the Western Region is comprised of 16 states and three Canadian provinces and territories. Tavani has been involved with NAEA Delegates Assembly, Leadership Summits, and has served in several roles with the Ohio Art Education Association (OAEA) over the past 20 years, including as president elect, president and past president for five years. During her 31 years of teaching, Tavani has received 18 grants and has exhibited her personal artwork in more than 20 shows.

“For me teaching is all about the people and connections. Sharing my love of art with my students, artists and other art educators has great value for me and is why I do what I do,” said Tavani, who taught 20 years at Normandy Elementary in Centerville before moving to Watts in the fall of 2019. “I know I could not have been the teacher I am today without my families – the one I was born into, my Watts and Normandy families, my OAEA family of art educators, my bronze making family, and my artsy friends who are like family.”