Central DeWitt is proud to celebrate our very own Cassie Garrity, who has been named the Iowa Art Educator of the Year!
Ms. Garrity will be formally honored at the Art Educators of Iowa Fall Conference in Cedar Falls on October 10th. This recognition reflects her outstanding contributions to the field of art education and the incredible impact she has made on students, colleagues, and the broader community.
With 26 years of teaching experience — including 20 right here at Central DeWitt Middle School and High School — Ms. Garrity has inspired generations of Sabers through her creativity, passion, and dedication. Previously, she taught at Delwood and East Central School Districts and also served as an adjunct art history instructor at Clinton Community College.
Her educational background is as impressive as her teaching record. She earned her B.A. in Art and K–12 Art Certification from the University of Iowa in 2000 and later received her Master of Science in Education, Learning and Leadership from Drake University in 2003.
Ms. Garrity’s professional influence extends far beyond the classroom. She is a National Board Certified Teacher in Art (the highest honor an educator can achieve) and one of only 17 National Art Education Association Connected Arts Networks Teacher Leaders nationwide, giving her a national voice in shaping art education. For the past seven years, she has also scored for Pearson and the National Board Art EAYA. Currently, she serves as the Secondary Representative for the Art Educators of Iowa, continuing her advocacy and leadership in the field.
She also extends her love of teaching art to the community as the owner of the Fountain House Art Studio and Gallery, where she offers classes for all ages. In addition, she is an accomplished illustrator, having brought books to life with her artwork — often featuring her two sons as subjects.
What the Central DeWitt community treasures most, however, is the way Ms. Garrity uplifts and encourages her students, supports her colleagues, and serves as a true inspiration every single day. Please join us in congratulating Ms. Garrity on this incredible, well-deserved honor!