GLOCESTER – A longtime teacher for the Ponaganset School District has been named the 2026 Middle School Art Educator of the Year by the Rhode Island Art Educators Association.
Shannon Black has been an art teacher at Ponaganset Middle School for 26 years.
“Thank you for inspiring your students to create, explore, and express through art at Ponaganset Middle School,” noted RIAEA in announcing the award, one of five to be given to art educators across the state at a celebration to be held on Thursday, Nov. 6 starting at 6 p.m. at Cumberland Public Library.
A Brooklyn, Conn. resident, Black attended Cranston High School East, and went on to earn a bachelor’s in art teacher education from Rhode Island College. In addition to her love of art, Black is a health and wellness enthusiast and has a business as a leadership trainer.
At PMS, she has served as yearbook advisor and has volunteered annually at the Special Olympics Torch Run.
Black was among the participants in the 2024 Special Olympic Torch Run. NRI NOW photo by Dick Martin
District officials learned of the award on Monday, Nov. 3 and honored Black at the school committee meeting the following day.
“We got some amazing news,” said Committee member Beth Keeling, giving the teacher a plant in acknowledgement of the achievement.
“She has inspired her students to create explore and express themselves through their art,” Keeling said.
Keeling read a statement from Black about the honor.
“I look forward to my future years here doing what I love: inspiring young artists to create freely and believe in the power of self expression through their art,” it read.
An affiliate of the National Art Education Association RIAEA’s mission is to offer opportunities for professional development, leadership and service in order to advance the quality of art education.
