Jill DiGiampaolo inspires students to become involved in their art, no matter where they are. In fact, it seems that she is in the process of turning Lackland Elementary School into an artistic canvas! She has drawn colorful murals in the nurse's office and on the pre-kindergarten children's bathroom walls. Children's hands made into colorful butterflies and Dr. Seuss characters help her young students learn the joys of artistic expression. She even has a "Jackson Pollock" entry room to introduce students to the famous artist's unique work.

Ms. D, as the students call her, decided early in life that she wanted to be an art teacher. Her teacher had to go from room to room with a cart of art supplies. "I wanted to be an art teacher and provide the kind of art I wished we had when I was in school. This is a great environment in which to do it, because we have so much support from the school."

For the past seven years Ms. D has taught elementary art at Lackland Elementary. She contributes to the enrichment of all students by sponsoring a number of clubs and activities. She sponsored the art club for six years, which became so large that it outgrew the art room and had to be held in the cafeteria!

She says her favorite thing is when a student brings in art that he or she has drawn over the weekend. Her goal is for each of her students to do art on their own. She believes a love of art can help students in other areas of their lives. Even if they have trouble with core subjects such as science and math, being successful in art might help keep them in school.