Double Duke honored as 2027 Virginia Art Educator of the Year

A James Madison University alumna dedicated to inspiring young artists has been named the 2027 Virginia Art Educator of the Year. Jauan Brooks, a Double Duke and graduate of JMU’s School of Art, Design and Art History (SADAH), received this statewide honor from the Virginia Art Education Association (VAEA) in recognition of her commitment to students and her impact on art education throughout the Commonwealth.

Brooks earned a Bachelor of Science in Studio Art with Art Teacher Licensure in 1994 and a Master of Arts in Art, Art Education in 2005, both from JMU. She currently teaches visual art at Harrisonburg High School, encouraging students of all skill levels to explore their creativity and develop their artistic voices.

Former HHS student and SADAH graduate Cameron Ritcher attests to her influence on his creative development as an artist.

“She had/has a knack for extracting the highest potential in me and all of her students. One of the biggest things I’ve carried with me into my career from her classes has been writing. I resented writing in high school, but I now appreciate the value it holds in nailing down an out-of-focus idea and understanding myself. Jauan’s standard is never short of excellence. One time in AP art, I was distracting myself by carving a block eraser into an armadillo. Instead of getting rightfully angry, she said simply ‘If you’re going to do it, at least make it good,' said Ritcher.

Brooks’s recognition reflects her longstanding commitment to advancing art education. In 2024, she was named a VAEA Distinguished Fellow for her contributions to the profession and her service to the organization.

“As an artist and teacher, Jauan Brooks provides invaluable mentorship for her students who have gone on to become successful artists, architects, designers, and art teachers. Students who attended Jauan's first classes 32 years ago still return to Harrisonburg High School to thank her for the positive impact she had on their lives through her calm and supportive teaching style,” said Dr. Katherine Schwartz, emerita faculty of art education in SADAH who had the privilege of working with Brooks for over 20 years as a cooperating teacher for JMU art education students, a student in the art education masters, and an instructor in JMU Summer Art.

As Brooks looks to the future, she remains committed to nurturing creativity and confidence in every student who enters her classroom. Her story is a testament to the enduring legacy of passionate educators and the ripple effect their dedication has on communities for generations to come.

Photos courtesy of Harrisonburg High School