Teacher of the Month

The Wisconsin Art Education Association celebrates excellence in our art classrooms. Art teachers provide so many opportunities for our young learners to showcase their skills and knowledge through the visual arts. Art educators foster artistic experiences for students to create, present, respond, and connect. During the school year, Wisconsin art educators are nominated for WAEA "Art Teacher of the Month." If you wish to nominate a Wisconsin art educator for Art Teacher of the Month, please submit your suggestion within the online form.
For questions, please contact [email protected].

Click each month to learn more about the WAEA Art Teacher of the Month.

January 2026

Teacher: Sandy Guebard
School: Saint Bruno Parish School of Dousman, WI

Sandy Guebard is a beacon of warmth and kindness, transforming her school's atmosphere into a nurturing learning environment. Her approach emphasizes instructional standards while celebrating the arts, creating a balanced space for students to thrive.

Sandy's eagerness to collaborate makes her invaluable during concerts and special events. She seamlessly aligns her lessons with schoolwide themes, integrating them into the general education curriculum. Her flexibility and creativity add a unique layer of innovation to school activities.

As a mentor, Sandy provides constructive feedback and serves as a role model for student teachers. Her recent collaboration involved attending the Art Convention in Pewaukee with a student teacher, highlighting her commitment to professional development and teamwork.
Through her dedication, Sandy enriches the educational experience for students and fosters growth and creativity within the school community. Her passion for learning and collaboration makes her an invaluable asset to both students and colleagues.

February 2026

Teacher: Sarah Lambert
School/District/ City: Oriole Lane School , Mequon-Thiensville School District

With her exceptional skills in curriculum design and extensive art knowledge, Sarah Ann Lambert creates a classroom environment that cherishes personal expression and the artistic process. Her projects captivate students through intricate, multi-step activities that connect contemporary artists with art history, allowing students to infuse their own identity into their work. The results are truly remarkable, showcasing the creativity of her elementary students.
Sarah's dedication to positive community impact is evident in her recent organization of specialized professional development for her colleagues, offering inspiration and subject-specific insights. Her art shows are thoughtfully curated, highlighting students' work in the most beautiful and intentional ways.
Sarah’s entire career has focused on researching and planning to maximize the impact of her art program. With a BFA in Ceramics and Art Education from UW-Milwaukee, she has been an elementary art teacher for 14 years and extends her passion to a community art studio during the summer.
Residing in Wauwatosa, Sarah balances her professional commitments with being a devoted mother to her five-year-old daughter. Her efforts in art education continue to inspire, leaving a lasting impression on both her students and the broader community.

March 2026

Teacher: Jana Strobel
School/District/ City: Watertown High School, Watertown Unified School District

Jana Strobel is a remarkable leader and educator, known for her unwavering dedication and spirit of collaboration. Her impact extends beyond Watertown High School, benefiting the entire community and the State of Wisconsin. Jana's commitment is evident as she volunteers year-round, even in the summer, going above and beyond for her profession.

For five years, she co-chaired the Fall WAEA Art Education Conference, contributed graphic design for WAEA, and edited the statewide Art Times magazine. Jana shares her curriculum, engages in online art forums, and presents at conferences. She serves as Vice President of the Watertown Arts Council and Editor of the Wisconsin Art Education Association. Jana also co-chairs the State Visual Arts Classic team competition. Her dedication to students is unparalleled. She created websites and event calendars for local K-12 art staff and coordinates art-related activities. Jana co-founded the Gosling Nest to support impoverished families, investing countless volunteer hours. Her graphic design skills are widely sought after, and she donates her expertise to colleagues and local organizations.

Jana has been instrumental in establishing opportunities for students, partnering with local businesses for real-world experiences in photography and design. She coordinates field trips, collaborates with the City and Chamber of Commerce, and runs events like the Main Street Art Walk. Jana's influence reaches beyond teaching—she coaches dance, judges 4-H shows, and facilitates community events. Her efforts have earned her numerous awards, including the AAUW Woman of Merit Award and Elks Citizen of the Year. Jana's passion and dedication make her an inspiration to all.

April 2026