Bettendorf art teacher honored as Iowa’s Outstanding Elementary Art Educator of the Year

A teacher in the Bettendorf School District has been recognized for her work inspiring young artists over the past two decades.

Meghan Purcell was honored as Iowa’s Outstanding Elementary Art Educator of the Year. She has worked in the Bettendorf Community School District for the past 15 years and currently works with students at Mark Twain and Herbert Hoover Elementary Schools. Purcell taught elementary art in Clinton before coming to Bettendorf.

She has been a teacher mentor, lead for elementary curriculum writing and served as a member of the Elementary PBIS team, Student Success Team, Behavior Support Team and Building Student Council Coordinator. She has helped facilitate art shows throughout the Quad City area and worked with the PTA as Parent-Teacher Liaison and Vice President.

She has been honored as the district’s Employee of the Quarter and received the National Artsonia Educational Leadership Award. She has attended six National Art Education Association national conventions and presented workshops on curriculum design and bookmaking techniques at the 2024 NAEA Conference in Minneapolis. She spoke on elementary bookmaking techniques in 2022 and gave a presentation on curriculum development at this year’s state conferences.

Purcell is working on a Master of Art Education Degree at The Art of Education University after graduating from St. Ambrose University with a BFA in fine art, art education and graphic design and a minor in art history.

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