In early March, art and design teacher Tanya Lockwood was nominated for both the Western Region Art Teacher of the Year and the National Art Teacher of the Year award. Lockwood received the title of Art Teacher of the Year for West Regionals and won second place for Nationals, for which she attended an award ceremony in New York City.
“I had never viewed myself at the regional and national level,” Lockwood said. “I feel very humbled to even be given this opportunity. To be picked out of the entire western region, out of all those states and all the teachers—that is a great honor.”
She had gained more than just an award, though. After recognizing the achievements of the other contestants, Lockwood took on a new mindset.
“I see these other recipients and hear of the great things they’re doing, and realize that there is always room for growth. Even at my age and with my experience, there will always be room for growth,” Lockwood said.
Born in South Korea, Lockwood feels “very honored and privileged” to be given a chance, for her life would not be the same if she hadn’t been adopted.
An art career wasn’t always her first choice. Lockwood attended Grand Valley State University with intentions of pursuing a field related to biochemistry or pre-med. It wasn’t until her junior year of college that she realized art captured her true passion.
“Art was always woven into everything that I was interested in,” Lockwood said. “I gravitated towards creating visual arts in my spare time as a kid. I was always inventing and creating and drawing when I could. It only felt natural to me to have art be my final career choice.”
In her final years of college, Lockwood switched to an art major and a teaching minor. After graduating, she found herself taking roles as a substitute teacher in various schools. Now, Lockwood is in her 23rd year of teaching. She has taught at various other schools such as Rockford, Rockwood elementary, Godwin Heights and Monument High in Colorado.
“I don’t have much [time] left before I retire. I’m hoping I have that time and energy to focus on the artist within me and start creating some art of my own as well,” Lockwood said.