Art Educators of Minnesota (AEM) has recognized Northfield High School teacher Christie Clarke for her leadership in the field of visual art education. At the organization’s fall conference on Nov. 9, Clarke will receive both the AEM Secondary Art Teacher of the Year award and the overall AEM Art Teacher of the Year award.

Clarke has been teaching in Northfield Public Schools since 1999, and has been an outspoken advocate of the arts, said Northfield High School Principal Joel Leer.

“She is not only an excellent art teacher, but demonstrates every day what it means to ‘live your passion’,” Leer said.

Kris Holsen, president-elect of AEM, said the group has forwarded nomination of Clarke to their regional and national levels.

“Christie is well-deserving and a great leader in her field,” Holsen said.

AEM is a professional organization whose mission is to promote and advocate quality art education for all learners by providing professional growth opportunities for all Minnesota visual and media arts educators to learn, collaborate, advocate, and acknowledge excellence in the profession.