Chamisa art teacher Andrea Lynch has been named Elementary Art Educator of the Year. Photo Courtesy LAPS

LAPS NEWS RELEASE

Chamisa Elementary School art teacher Andrea Lynch has been named the Elementary Art Educator of the Year by the New Mexico Art Education Association (NMAEA).

The 2025 NMAEA Professional Awards are given to educators for their dedication and service to art education in the state of New Mexico. The Awards honor those whose exemplary classroom practices and / or community contributions in the field of Visual or Media Arts are deserving of recognition. 

Lynch has been employed with Los Alamos Public Schools for 19 years, and has been teaching art at Chamisa Elementary for the four years. She has been instrumental in creating the annual Glow Tunnel at the school and has been a coordinator of the White Rock Multicultural Art Fair for the past several years.

Principal Craig Washnok noted in his letter recommending Lynch for this award that “she is innovative and can move from teaching her PreK students to a 6th grade classroom seamlessly,” and that she “tirelessly works to find challenging and engaging subjects to teach her students. Andrea’s lessons are diverse; from 3D drawings, glass sculpting, and skateboard designs, students are exposed to so many different forms of art.”

Washnok added, “Andrea Lynch’s dedication to her job is second to none. Her energy and positive attitude towards teaching art, allow students to love her class.”

This year’s recipients will receive their award during the annual New Mexico Art Education Association’s professional development conference on Saturday, Nov. 9. The Awards Recognition Ceremony will take place 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Jemez Ballroom at the Santa Fe Community College.