Photo credit: Kansas Art Education Asssociation

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha elementary art teacher has been named the Kansas Art Education Association’s 2026 Outstanding Overall Art Educator.

Kate Miller has taught elementary art in Hiawatha for 14 years. She also serves as a forensics coach and is involved in school leadership and professional development.

Miller has held several leadership positions with the Kansas Art Education Association, including president. She also chaired the association’s 2025 fall professional development conference in Hiawatha.

Beyond the classroom, Miller is active in community arts and theater programs and has helped organize Hiawatha’s Halloween parade and art contest.

Her previous honors include the association’s Outstanding Elementary Art Educator award in 2017. She was also named Hiawatha Chamber and Visitor’s Bureau Volunteer of the Year in 2017 and 2025.