Visual arts educator wins Teacher of Year

Visual arts teacher Jimmy McGowan was presented with the Middle School Art Teacher of the Year award at the Alabama Education Association State Conference. He was nominated by Lauren Fowler from Crestline Elementary.  

McGowan was surprised to be the recipient of this award as many of the fellow nominees had more years of experience. He said this award was possible with the support of the students, community, administration and his co-workers. 

McGowan is a native of Birmingham and is in his second year of teaching visual arts at Mountain Brook Junior High. McGowan said he has found his dream job and loves MBJH. 

He graduated from the University of Alabama in Birmingham with a bachelor’s degree in art studio, a minor in art history and a masters in art education. 

He is the arts coordinator for the Academy of the Arts at Samford University. 

– Submitted by Collins Clegg.