Idaho’s K-12 Art Educator of the Year: Karen Rohn’s Path to the Classroom

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When Karen Rohn, an art and STEAM teacher in Potlatch, Idaho recently earned recognition as the Idaho Art Education Association’s K-12 Art Educator of the Year, she was in disbelief. The honor came as a complete surprise.

It was also a milestone she never imagined when she first stepped into public education. Before beginning teaching five years ago, Rohn had spent years teaching students through nonprofit organizations and private lessons but had never worked full time in a public school. The opportunity to teach was unexpected, yet something about the role felt right.

“It seemed like the perfect job, to be an artist and teach art,” Rohn said. “One of the best parts of my job is when I can witness a student bloom when introduced to a new medium or art concept.”

As Rohn entered her journey as an educator, she committed to continual growth and learning. She recently completed the Idaho Comprehensive Literacy Course through the Albion Center for Professional Development, an experience she says broadened her understanding of how students learn.

“The course exposed me to the fundamental understanding of literacy and gave me tools to use in my teaching practice,” she said. “Understanding the stages of reading development was huge for me. It is something I keep in the back of my mind every day as I work with students.”

For Rohn, success in the classroom is not measured by test scores or perfect projects. It shows up in the way she connects with students and helps them discover their own capabilities. The spark she sees when a student creates something they are proud of is the moment every teacher hopes for.

“When a student leaves class with a smile or a look of pride in what they have accomplished, that is one of those moments,” she said. “When they start out disinterested but end up with a project that shines with beauty or originality, I feel like I did my job well.”

Although Rohn’s path to teaching was not conventional, she has quickly made a lasting impact on her students. At age 62, she continues to challenge herself and pursue new learning. For her fellow educators, she offers simple but powerful advice: “Do not let age stop you from growing and learning.”