Hager is an art teacher at Hawley High School

By Tucker Henderson

Reporter

The final mark on the canvas of 2023, Art Educators of Minnesota recently announced Tara (Scheidecker) Hager as the 2023-24 High School Art Educator of the Year.

Hager, a New York Mills High School Class of 1997 graduate, has taught 7-12th grade art courses at Hawley High School for the past 14 years. A co-worker nominated her with a letter of recommendation and she received the news that she had won the award on Aug. 7, which she said, caught her in a moment of “complete disbelief.”

“It is such a surreal moment to receive an honor such as this,” said Hager. “Of course, I’m humbled and honored—I have been surrounded by such talented, highly educated, and inspiring art educators over the years.”

Hager’s recently retired co-worker, Roberta Siegel, made sure to put Hager’s name in the running for the award after seeing her contributions to her students for the 12 years they taught together.

“I was an instructor in Hawley before Tara took over the art program, and I do not even know where to begin to explain how much she has transformed this schools art program,” the recommendation letter read, “She came into a school where not too many students could even give someone directions to the art room, very few students enrolled in art classes, art projects were never visible in the school and to the public, and art instruction was not even a full-time position.

“Her determination, her dedication to her teaching, her ability to connect with students, and her talent have totally transformed this program at Hawley High School,” the letter continued, “The position is full-time and then some, the enrollments in all her classes are high, the enthusiasm for the art program is strong and quite recognizable in our school as student art is always displayed throughout the school, and the long hallway to her classroom is Hawley High School’s art gallery.”

The letter went on to enumerate Hager’s accomplishments in revitalizing the art program in Hawley, influence on her students, and some of her previous teaching awards. 

“Art and creating has always been a part of who I am,” said Hager. I think I have paint in my veins. Some of my earliest memories involve creating. Becoming an art educator was always in the back of my mind. My parents always encouraged me to create, between taking oil painting classes and keeping me well stocked with art supplies, I always felt supported.”

Initially, Hager didn’t pursue an art-centered after high school. She dabbled in massage therapy and married her husband, Josh, who supported her decision to go back to school.

“I think in a lot of ways, he believed in me more than I believed in myself,” Hager said about her husband. “That’s the kind of support we all need in our lives. Growing up, I was surrounded by artists, though they might not think of themselves as artists, I do. My mom would oil paint at the kitchen table, to this day when I smell oil paint I am transported back in time to those moments watching her paint delicate tree branches.

“My grandma is definitely an artist, creating masterpieces with thread and fabric,” she continued. “I also have many aunts and uncles who were very creative and artistic with various mediums. All of those moments impacted me and I carry those memories with me to this day.”

Hager attended Minnesota State University Moorhead and graduated with a degree in Art Education (K-12) and completed her Masters Degree through Concordia-St. Paul.

After receiving the award, Hager was invited to the Art Educator’s of America (AEM) Fall Conference in Plymouth, Minn. on Saturday, Oct. 28.

“AEM created a very personal awards ceremony, even a bit emotional. The president of AEM was presenting when suddenly my face appeared on the screen behind her as she read a portion of the letter of recommendation that was initially sent in when I was nominated. I honestly wasn’t expecting any of that,” said Hager. “The ceremony was a bit overwhelming, but at the same time I felt so much appreciation from those within my field. I was in an auditorium with art teachers from around the state, along with my husband and kids, my mom and dad, as well as my sister. After 20 years in teaching, it has definitely been a highlight in my career up until this point.”

Even more rewarding, however, is the time Hager spends with her students. She commented that her favorite part of her job was working with her students each and every day.

“I really enjoy working with 7-12 grade students,” she said. “Teaching is incredibly rewarding and continually observing their growth as individuals and artists is truly the best part of my job. I get to know students really well because they’re letting me be a part of their art which is essentially a part of who they are. As people we express so much of who we are and what we are going through with our works of art. I get to be a part of that journey every day.”