By Chloe Scott, Communications Manager

On Friday, October 24, the BC Art Teachers’ Association recognized Heather Korlak with the Art Educator of the Year – Elementary Level award, honouring her remarkable contributions to arts education and her steadfast belief in the power of creativity to transform learning.

Now in her sixth year with the North Vancouver School District and part of the Highlands Elementary community, Ms. Korlak brings with her more than 30 years of teaching experience from Manitoba and Quebec, where she worked in a wide range of classrooms, including those in Northern First Nations communities. This breadth of experience has shaped her inclusive, student-centred approach to teaching art. Additionally, she serves as a teacher with Artists for Kids after-school art programs.  

Ms. Korlak’s own artistic practice is rooted a milieu of mediums, including embroidery, children’s book illustration, and watercolour. As an Expressive Arts Therapist with what she calls an “itch to create,” she models for her students the importance of making art a daily practice. “I have set up my classroom to make art accessible at all times,” she explained—a philosophy that ensures creativity is never confined to a single lesson block. Through art, Ms. Korlak’s students are able to deepen their understanding of subjects like math, social studies, and science, using creativity as a bridge to explore and expand upon classroom concepts. 

Ms. Korlak honours her students by ensuring their work is visible and celebrated. “I think it’s important in your classroom to have the students’ work up as a means of honouring their work,” she said. Her classroom itself embodies her belief in the environment as the “third teacher.” Copper artwork lines one wall, showcasing students’ explorations of texture and technique. Current studies of Yayoi Kusama’s art invite students to engage with pattern, repetition, and bold expression.  

Her practice also extends beyond the classroom walls. Nature journaling, outdoor sketching at Fairmont Park, and the use of recycled and found materials are pillars of her teaching. These approaches help students see art as both natural and sustainable, while also grounding them in the world around them. 

Ms. Korlak emphasizes artistic expression as a means of cultivating identity, confidence, and connection. She encourages students to see artistic expression as a language—one that allows them to communicate feelings and ideas that might otherwise remain unspoken. “Art enables one to feel successful as a learner,” she noted, underscoring her commitment to nurturing the inner artist in every child. 

Heather Korlak’s receipt of this award comes as no surprise to her colleagues at Highlands Elementary School. “We are so proud of Heather’s Art Award and the well-deserved recognition of her talent,” shared Vice Principal Martine Borak, “Her artistic eye brings beauty into our daily spaces and inspires our Highlands community to see art in new ways. She has also enriched my work with students by helping me weave creativity more deeply into daily learning.”  

Principal Deb Wanner echoed these sentiments, noting that “Heather is a master teacher and an outstanding educator, as well as a qualified Art Therapist.  Her love of art, and her passion for supporting students with all subject areas is enhanced by her ability to integrate the arts into all areas.  Heather instills confidence in her students and allows them to express themselves in many ways.  We are delighted to congratulate her on her award as the BCATA's Elementary Teacher of Excellence in Art Education.” 

On behalf of the North Vancouver School District, congratulations Ms. Korlak! Your recognition as Art Educator of the Year is a testament to your vision: a classroom where art is accessible, meaningful, and joyful, and where every child can discover the artist within.