From a young age, Rolanda Root has loved art. In fact, she remembers arriving early to kindergarten and drawing while she waited for her classmates to arrive. 

“Art provides an outlet and peace,” she said. 

Root teaches 2-D art (drawing, painting, etc.) at Pittsburg High School, Pittsburg Unified School District 250. In her fifth year at the school, Root teaches alongside Rebecca Lomshek, who teaches 3-D art (sculptures, ceramics, pottery, etc.) and said their art classes are full.  

“Our enrollment shows (the students) really enjoy the art program also,” Root said.   

She started her career in education teaching art to elementary students at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Emporia. From there, Root moved to Utah where she taught high school art for six years. She returned to Kansas in 2018 and taught for two years at St. Mary’s Colgan Catholic Schools in Pittsburg before joining the staff at PHS. 

Last month, Root was named the Kansas Art Education Association (KAEA) 2024-2025 Outstanding Art Educator of the Year. 

“This is my 20th year teaching, so to be recognized for all the work educators put in, it’s an honor to be recognized by KAEA,” Root said. “I think it’s a great thing they recognize teachers for all they do inside and outside the classroom.” 

This is the second year in a row a PHS art teacher received the award. Lomshek won the award last year and was the one who nominated Root. 

“I’m really appreciative of Rebecca for nominating me,” Root said. “And I am appreciative of the administration for all the support they’ve given to the art program and helping it develop and grow.”  

Over the years, Root has had several students receive state and national recognition for their art. But she also has seen wins for her students, outside of awards. She mentioned one student who suffered from anxiety. The student told her art gives her an outlet where she doesn’t have to think about everything. 

“I think they’ve really needed that during the day. I’ve had other students mention that too,” Root said. “Some students do really need this outlet of creativity to take in everything the world is throwing at them.” 

She welcomes students of all ages and backgrounds into her art classes, showing them work she has done and showing how she has grown. 

“I don’t put a lot of pressure on them to have an amazing piece. I want them to express themselves and have their own style. That’s what makes art fun,” she said. “I want them to know I’m not just teaching. I’m also a working artist who is still creating.” 

PHS principal Kelynn Heardt said Root is “the exemplar of an educator we should all strive to be.” 

“Aside from showing excellence in her work within PHS and the community, Rolanda has worked diligently to continue her own learning, professional growth and service to the education profession,” she said. “Her commitment to her own personal learning and growth as an artist and educator is inspiring to her students and colleagues alike. Her work ethic and drive for excellence sets her apart.” 

Root has taught several workshops through the Kansas State Department of Education. She also is a member of the ArtForms Gallery in downtown Pittsburg where she gets the chance to showcase her artwork and teach workshops. 

“I’d like to do more, but I’m really busy teaching. Sometimes I don’t know how I do it all and stay sane,” she laughed. “It brings me joy or else I wouldn’t keep doing it.”  

Root will be officially presented her award at the KAEA 2024 Fall Professional Development Conference on Saturday, Oct. 19.