“My high school art teacher shared her spark with me. As a result, I am sharing my passion with others.”

Christina Kramer’s journey to becoming DeKalb County School District’s (DCSD) Teacher of the Year began with a shared “spark” from a DCSD teacher.

“My high school art teacher at [the former] Henderson High School shared her spark with me. She continued to nurture, love, and allow me to grow,” Kramer said. “As a result, I am sharing my passion with others.”

Kramer, who is now an art teacher at Austin Elementary School, was named DCSD’s 2021–2022 Teacher of the Year during the district’s 8th Annual Academy of Educational Excellence Awards on March 24. DCSD celebrates the teacher and two education support professionals of the year from each school and allows them to compete at the regional level, which results in seven regional winners. Each regional winner competes for the district’s highest honor, the “Eddy Award” for Educational Excellence. Teacher of the Year is the last award given at the ceremony.

Kramer said it is an honor and a blessing to be the district’s Teacher of the Year.

“When my name was announced, I couldn’t believe it! The room was filled with outstanding educators, staff members, and DCSD employees who work hard every day for our students,” she said. “I appreciate the time and effort it took to organize the ceremony. I am proud to be a product of DeKalb Schools and love sharing my passion to help students become creative thinkers and problem solvers.”

Austin Elementary School Principal Avis Mooneyham said words couldn’t express how proud she is of Kramer.

“She holds the admiration of her fellow teachers, students, and community. Mrs. Kramer represents teachers and the arts,” Mooneyham said. “She sparks happiness and creativity in our students, and she deserves to have her name celebrated at this level!”

Kramer has been teaching in DeKalb for 33 years and 10 years at Austin. She has taught at Henderson Mill, Briarlake, Evansdale, and Sagamore Hills elementary schools. After the ceremony, she was showered with congratulations and excitement when she returned to Austin.

“My classes greeted me with smiling faces and thoughtful handmade cards. Hearing from Austin parents, teacher friends, and former principals made my day,” she said.

This is the second time Kramer was named Teacher of the Year at Austin, receiving the honor during the 2020–2021 school year. She said art is her passion and sharing it with her students is rewarding.

“I have studied art from other cultures, explored different ways of teaching using technology, and made lifelong friends,” she said. “The pandemic forced me to master Google Classroom and reach students in the virtual setting. The good and bad days helped mold me into the strong woman I am today.”

Kramer said one of the best things about being an art teacher is seeing happy children and providing a positive, safe environment for them.

“In the art room, students see history, books, math, and science come alive. They learn the importance of celebrating culture, teamwork, and respect for others,” she said. “I care deeply about their success and want to provide them with the best art experience possible. I am very proud of what they have accomplished.”

“Mrs. Kramer is Austin,” Principal Mooneyham said. “She holds high expectations, pushes creative thinking, supports our students in all areas, and is a team player. She has impacted students throughout this district and set foundations that will stay with them forever. Mrs. Kramer is a role model to staff and students. She is truly loved and cherished.”

Kramer’s students have won art awards from the Dunwoody Police Department, DCSD Art Stars, DCSD Visual Arts Expressions, and the DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management.

“Many former students have won national awards, become art teachers, or use art in their daily lives,” she said. “I hope I provided a creative spark and nurtured their self-confidence.”

When asked what advice she would give to younger teachers, Kramer said she would tell them never to stop learning and seek experienced teachers to guide them.

“Learning from other colleagues motivates you in the classroom and shows you new ways to deliver the standards,” she said. “I keep positive notes and emails from parents and students to lift my spirits when I’ve had a difficult day. Always remember why you love being a teacher.”