The East Baton Rouge Parish School System is proud to announce that Kelly Adkinson, a visual arts educator at Baton Rouge Center for Visual and Performing Arts, has been named the 2026 Arts Schools Network Teacher of the Year.
The Arts Schools Network Teacher of the Year Award recognizes a teacher whose commitment, abilities and achievements are exemplary. The national honor celebrates outstanding artist mentors whose dedication serves as the foundation of excellent arts education.
“Ms. Adkinson exemplifies the very best of arts education through her creativity, instructional excellence and unwavering commitment to student success,” said Dr. Casaundra McNair, EBR Schools executive director of Innovative & Specialized Programs. “Her work reflects the power of high-quality arts instruction to inspire, engage and transform student learning.”
At BRCVPA, Adkinson designs engaging, arts-rich learning experiences that empower students to grow as artists, creators and critical thinkers. She integrates academic concepts into her visual arts curriculum and production design instruction, ensuring students experience meaningful, interdisciplinary learning grounded in creativity and exploration.
Beyond the classroom, Adkinson strengthens the school’s arts community by cultivating partnerships that provide students with authentic, real-world learning opportunities. She coordinates large-scale visual arts showcases that highlight student work and celebrate artistic growth across the school community.
In addition to her classroom leadership, Adkinson serves as a mentor teacher and provides fine arts professional development for educators across the district, supporting the continued growth of high-quality arts instruction.
Often described as a “human rainbow,” Adkinson is widely recognized for her vibrant spirit, positivity, and unwavering dedication to excellence in arts education. Her impact extends across students, staff and the broader arts community.
This recognition comes as BRCVPA and Forest Heights Academy of Excellence join McKinley Middle Magnet School as Arts Schools Network Exemplary Schools, further highlighting the district’s growing distinction in arts education. Together, these honors represent the latest celebration of arts education excellence across EBR Schools and underscore the impact of specialized programs in providing students and the community with expanded access to high-quality arts experiences, instruction and opportunities.
District leaders and school representatives will formally recognize Adkinson this fall at the Arts Schools Network conference in San Diego.
For more information, visit www.artsschoolsnetwork.org.
