2022 National Magnet Teacher of the Year
Clinton McCracken
Howard Middle School
Orange County Public Schools
Orlando, Florida
Clinton McCracken’s experience with art led him into this role because studying art was his pathway out of poverty and to higher education. He became a teacher because he is passionate about art and the difference it can make in students’ lives. McCracken also loves the energy of middle school students and how ready they are to soak in new information and ideas.
He says his greatest contributions as a magnet teacher have been at the individual student level. McCracken works hard to build strong relationships and a positive classroom community creating a space for students to take risks with their art. “I think students would say my art room is a calming haven. I live for the moments where I can help students create an artwork they worked hard on and are beaming with pride when they see it displayed for their peers or in an exhibit,” he said.
Congratulations to our 2022 Regional Teachers of the Year!
REGION I
Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, The District of Columbia
MARGARET OQUENDO
Information Technology & Software Engineering
Theme(s): Computer Science
Grade(s): 9-12
Bridgeport Public Schools
Bridgeport, Connecticut
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REGION II
Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, American Samoa, Marianas Islands and Trust Territory of the Pacific
CLAIRE ROMZEK
Lied STEM Academy
Theme(s): S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
Grade(s): 6-8
Clark County School District
Las Vegas, Nevada
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REGION III
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands
CLINTON MCCRACKEN
Howard Middle School
Theme(s): Visual and Performing Arts
Grade(s): 6-8
Orange County Public Schools
Orlando, Florida
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REGION IV
Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, International
GREGORY EYMAN
Brentwood Magnet Elementary School of Engineering
Theme(s): Engineering
Grade(s): K-5
Wake County Public School System
Raleigh, North Carolina
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REGION V
Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas
MARI GIL
Baton Rouge Foreign Language Academic Immersion Magnet
Theme(s): Foreign Language Immersion
Grade(s): K-5
East Baton Rouge Parish School System
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
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REGION VI
Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin
ELIZABETH CALLAHAN
Cedar River Academy
Theme(s): Sustainability
Grade(s): K-5
Cedar Rapids Community School District
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
