bryan county art teacher finalist for Georgia teacher of the year

Brittany Nearhoof stared at her classmates’ artwork in disbelief. His squiggly lines were what to be expected from a kindergartener. But Nearhoof's self-portrait was a masterpiece. She was confused by why their pictures were so different but her work caught the attention of her art teacher who was amazed at her ability to complete the assignment at a such a young age.

"I remember she asked me how I knew to do that," said Nearhoof. "It was at that point I realized that I had a knack for art."

Nearhoof's artistic talents grew from there. Her confidence carried her through art courses in high school. Her junior year was when she decided to pursue a career in art education along with her twin sister.

"I had a lot of support from my teachers and my peers and positive reinforcement to keep pursuing it," said Nearhoof.

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Nearhoof is an art teacher for McAllister Elementary in Richmond Hill. She's also a finalist for 2024 Georgia Teacher of the Year. The winner will be named June 10.

"That was the highlight of my career," said Nearhoof of her nomination. "I'm very flattered and honored and I will tell you when I met the other finalists, I felt extremely humbled. They are massively intelligent and compassionate. Sitting in that room with the nine others was an experience like no other. I felt very lucky to be in the group."

Nearhoof studied painting in college but is a jack of all trades.

"One of the best things about being an art teacher is you get to try it all," said Nearhoof. "I love working with sculpture and clay and jewelry making. I love working with fibers. But if I am by myself in my own studio at home, I'm usually painting."

Whether it be drawing, weaving or sculpting clay, she passes her passion to her students, even those who are skeptical about their artwork.

"One day during a project, I told one of my students 'You're going to have to tie a knot' and I heard one little boy say, 'It's hard to do that,'" said Nearhoof. "I told him that he can do hard things and just to see the expression on his face was great. It's those little things that give them confidence."

Her peers noticed her ability to instill self-assurance in her students too. She was nominated by her colleagues for District Teacher of the Year in Bryan County. After winning, she was awarded $1,000 as well as a plaque and other gifts.

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"She is beyond deserving of the honor and has transformed our art program at McAllister Elementary School," said Heather Tucker, principal at McAllister. "You can see her work from the moment you walk in the school, from art on the ceiling tiles, to students’ pieces spotlighted in frames to collaborative art projects on the walls. Beyond creating an excitement of art, Mrs. Nearhoof has a passion for building relationships with students and helping them tap into their talents. We are very proud of Mrs. Nearhoof and thankful she is being honored for her hard work and dedication to our students."

Art courses at McAllister consist of fiber arts, weaving, drawing and painting. What makes art class unique at McAllister is Nearhoof's students have more than just an experience – they have something tangible.

"Every time a child leaves, they are walking out the door with a product," said Nearhoof. "It's very satisfying. They are proud to show their peers and teachers what they made in class. I make sure that we do a healthy mix of two and three-dimensional artwork. The best art education I can give is exposure to lots of different materials. We never go a week without holding a paintbrush. We always use crayons and we use unusual products. It's amazing what you can do with a magic marker, a piece of tin foil and a spray bottle with water. You can do some beautiful printmaking."

Upon winning district Teacher of the Year, Nearhoof submitted her application for Georgia Teacher of the Year. The winner will work in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Education. Cherie Dennis, an ESOL teacher at Hesse K-8 School, was the 2022 Georgia Teacher of the Year. U.S. Government, International Baccalaureate History and Civics Teacher Ernest William Lee II from Windsor Forest won the award in 2016.

"I would be excited about it even though I would have to leave my job and would not be there for a year," said Nearhoof. "I'm not trying to get out of my school but this is a big opportunity."

As she reflects on her past years of teaching and the future, one thing is certain – she would not change a thing.

"Choosing this career in art was a great choice," said Nearhoof. "It's been very fulfilling."

Latrice Williams is a general assignment reporter covering Bryan and Effingham County. She can be reached [email protected].