Art Teacher of the Year

She won’t tell you herself, but ask any one of Christy Humpal’s peers and they’ll tell you; there’s no one more dedicated and deserving than Humpal. Monroe Elementary Principal Ryan Roozeboom said it wasn’t surprising to find out the PCM teacher had been named Iowa’s Art Teacher of the Year — he’s seen firsthand what she brings to the classroom.

With nearly 20 years of experience, Roozeboom knows that Humpal is someone he can count on. He’s been watching her take art above and beyond the classroom for years.

“She’s a phenomenal art teacher,” Roozeboom said. “She’s a really good teammate and she has a super positive attitude, she’s always helping out whenever we need her.”

For Humpal, the recognition is both humbling and gratifying. She’s always been focused on her students, and when she found out she won the award she said she wasn’t quite sure how to react. In her acceptance speech at the annual conference she made a point to thank her peers, praising “the support from teams of strong teachers.”

“If I had a tiara I’d have to break it into a thousand pieces to share it with all these people who’ve helped me along the way,” Humpal said.

As a student, Humpal always liked to draw and make things. It wasn’t until high school her art teachers inspired her to look at a career as an educator, and Humpal hasn’t looked back. As a teacher she’s been focused on providing the best opportunities possible for her students, both in and out of the classroom. Working with younger students is what keeps Humpal motivated.

“They’re just really enthusiastic about everything that we do, they’re very excited to try new things,” Humpal said.

After teaching for years in Newton, Humpal left the district in order to take job in Monroe, where she could be closer to her three children. Teaching your own children is a blessing Humpal said, because it’s a chance to spend more time with them as they grow up.

“You don’t always get to do those fun things at home that you would like to,” Humpal said.

While she was a teacher at Newton she organized a sculpture tour for students, encouraging their interest in public art in the community. She collaborated with peers to write a grant for printmaking equipment so students would have a chance to experience a new medium. Her proudest moment as a teacher came when she helped organize the creation of the Cardinal Sculpture that sits at the entrance to Newton High School, collecting suggestions and input from students in order to help sculptor John Brommel create the final product.

“The end result was such a big deal,” Humpal said. “It’s nice for the kids to see something that’s so big, and such an important part of the identity of the school district.”

Humpal’s willingness to work outside of the classroom and her tireless enthusiasm for her students are part of what makes her such a special teacher, Roozeboom said. For years he’s watched Humpal push students beyond art, incorporating other subjects to keep the material fresh and interesting for students.

“She mixes it up so students don’t get bored, she’s not just doing art, there’s a whole educational aspect to it,” Roozeboom said.

Humpal doesn’t have any plans to rest on her laurels, she’s got a few things up her sleeves still. She’s thinking about holding a public art show, to give the community a chance to see the work her students have been creating, and she’s always looking for new ideas to bring into her classroom.

“I’ve found myself here,” Humpal said. “I’ve always had people around me that have supported my ideas and have been willing to help out.”

Contact David Dolmage at 641-792-3121 ext. 6532 or ddolmage@newtondailynews.com