Jackie Ellett

Jackie Ellett began teaching art at Rockbridge Elementary in Gwinnett County in 1986 after completing her BSED in Art Education from the University of Georgia. The joy of teaching art to young children ignited a passion to pursue all levels of teaching. It resulted in completing a Ph.D. in Art Education and earning a certificate in Interdisciplinary Qualitative Studies from the University of Georgia. Her achievements include working on state and national standards beginning in the early 1990s, writing curricula for all levels of education, earning many scholarships and awards, including the Teacher of the Year at each school, GAEA Art Educator of the Year (1999), NAEA Southeastern Art Educator of the Year (2012), and the 1995 National Art Education Assoc. Elementary Art Educator of the Year. She has been actively involved in literature review for the American Educational Research Association, written texts for Glencoe and SRA-McGraw-Hill, illustrated children’s books for Baker & Taylor, has served on advisory boards for Museums, such as the High and educational boards across the state, including the GACE standing committee. Her commitment to family and community is still seen in her active involvement in family, 4-H, and wildlife rehabilitation. In 2020, her Piedmont peers and students recognized her, receiving the highest Vulcan Teaching Excellence Award honor.

“…notice the subtleties around you, be curious, ask questions, surrender to the unanticipated possibilities of investigating your curiosities.” – 2020 Commencement Speech