Professor Speirs Awarded Pennsylvania Art Education Association’s Outstanding Higher Education Art Educator

KUTZTOWN, Pa. – Kutztown University’s Dr. Peg Speirs, professor of Art Education, is the recipient of the 2024 Outstanding Higher Education Art Educator award from the Pennsylvania Art Education Association (PAEA).

Through a rigorous review process, PAEA identified Speirs as an outstanding leader in the field of art education for her creative contributions, excellence in professional engagement and dedication to service. She stands out as a leader who is committed to the continued growth and collaborative efforts of art educators across the state of Pennsylvania. The award was presented during the PAEA conference Friday, Sept. 27, at the Hershey Lodge in Hershey, Pa.

“I am proud to belong to an organization that values, celebrates and advocates for teaching and learning in the visual arts for all members of society,” Speirs said. “I am deeply humbled and express my gratitude for being recognized for this award by art education colleagues.”

Speirs coordinates post-baccalaureate and intern art certification. Before serving as department chair, Speirs served more than five years as interim associate dean in the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Her research interests include feminist art, theory and pedagogy, issues-based art education, art in health and digital storytelling. Speirs is currently editing a documentary on women and tattoo.

Speirs’ first published article was on feminist art education. She went on to co-author articles and chapters on teaching art for social justice, art and ritual and a national study investigating the curricular influences of new art teachers. Speirs co-edited the textbook, Contemporary Issues in Art Education, and co-authored The Dinner Party Curriculum Project, a free online resource for K-12 teachers. Speirs is an artist, curator and co-designer of Random Oaks Studio, a creative research community and residency program in Kensington, Ohio.

Speirs earned a Ph.D. in art education and women’s studies at Pennsylvania State University, an M.A. in art education at Miami University, a B.A. in studio art at Hiram College and a PK-12 art certification at Westminster College. Prior to her doctoral study, Speirs taught elementary, middle and high school art in Southern Local School District, Salineville, Ohio.