By Joshua Koch
Public Communications
At the annual Texas Art Education Association Conference held in November, River Pines Elementary Art Teacher Natalie Harris was named the 2025 TAEA Outstanding Art Educator for Elementary School.
“It is an incredible honor to receive the 2025 TAEA Outstanding Art Educator – Elementary School Award," Harris said. "Teaching is complex, demanding, and filled with countless moving parts, and this recognition affirms the hard work and dedication I bring to my profession each day. I did not enter teaching for recognition, but it is deeply meaningful to know that the work I have devoted my adult life to has made a genuine impact on students and the larger educational community.”
The 2025-2026 school year marks Harris’ 20th in education, with 17 of those years being dedicated to teaching art. Fifteen years have been spent teaching elementary school art.
“Art is often an overlooked subject in schools, yet it is one of the most powerful spaces for student growth,” Harris said. “The art room is a place where students explore, problem-solve, take risks, and discover their voices. They learn resilience, self-expression, and confidence in their own ideas.”
Harris continued: “I believe all students are capable of success, and it is my responsibility as an art educator to help them recognize the potential within themselves. Teaching, at its heart, is an act of sharing: sharing knowledge, passion, and resources. I strive to share not only with my students but also with colleagues across the state through lesson plans, strategies, creative ideas, and professional support. When we share openly, our influence extends far beyond our own classrooms.”
Harris is currently the art teacher at River Pines Elementary, where she was named the Campus Teacher of the Year for the 2024-2025 school year and went on to be a Top 10 Finalist.
“River Pines Elementary is a remarkable school filled with wonderful students and families,” Harris said. “We truly feel like a family here. I have had opportunities to teach closer to my home in Kingwood, but I cannot bring myself to leave the incredible students, families, and staff that make RPE so special.”
Not only is teaching at River Pines Elementary special for Harris, but working and living in Humble ISD she has found a home with a family feel.
“Humble ISD is especially meaningful to me because it is my home, both professionally and personally,” Harris said. “I am raising my family here; my son is a junior at Kingwood Park High School, and my daughter will begin pre-kindergarten in the district next year. When Superintendent Dr. Roger Brown, Sandy Newton, and so many current and former Humble ISD staff came to support me at my award ceremony in Round Rock. It truly spoke volumes about the strength and care of this community.”
As Harris is in the midst of her 20th year in education, one of the things amongst many that continues to bring her back is watching her students grow over the years as they walk the halls of River Pines Elementary.
“I get to see their progress as artists year after year, the effort they put in, the skills they practice, and the confidence they build,” Harris said. “Witnessing their successes, both big and small, is truly beautiful. I absolutely love being part of that growth.”