Emily Palmiter is Washington's Art Teacher of the Year!

Posted Date: 12/02/25 (02:43 PM)

People applaud in a school setting, with flags and a screen in the background.

Kamiak High School’s Emily Palmiter has been named the 2025 Washington State Art Educator of the Year. Palmiter was honored during a special celebration in Kamiak High School’s commons. The event included remarks from Principal Stephen Shurtleff, staff, and students. This is the highest honor from the Washington Art Education Association, recognizing educators who go above and beyond in professionalism, advocacy, and support for the arts.

Palmiter has been teaching art for 20 years, beginning at Kamiak as a student teacher in 2005. She says she has always felt at home in the art room, and it shows in how she inspires and supports her students.

“Making art helps students make sense of a confusing and stressful world. It gives them space to decompress and create,” she said. “We teach critical thinking skills, and in this age of AI, art is the one thing that is human.”

Over the years, Palmiter’s students have earned dozens of regional Scholastic Art Awards. Her students have also had their art pieces displayed in the Washington State Capitol and the U.S. Capitol.

As the 2025 Washington State Art Educator of the Year, Palmiter is now eligible for regional and national recognition with the National Art Education Association.