Nevada art educator Pilar Biller named her state’s 2018 Teacher of the Year.

Pilar Biller, an art teacher at Damonte Ranch High School in the Washoe County School District, was named the 2018 Nevada Teacher of the Year by the Nevada Department of Education.

Pilar earned her Bachelor’s degree in Art from Gonzaga University in 1996. Gonzaga is a private, Roman Catholic university located in Spokane, Washington. In 1998 Pilar earned her Master’s in Teaching and Education from Sierra Nevada College. Sierra Nevada College is a private, liberal arts university known for its programs in environmental science, English and creative writing, humanities, fine arts, and teacher education.

Pilar, a National Board Certified Teacher, has dedicated more than 18 years of her life in the classroom. The honored educator says it’s important for students to think creatively and to problem solve. She encourages her students to share their art in the community and to work with local service organizations.

“Pilar is an amazing art teacher who is so passionate and works just incredibly well with kids at all levels,” remarked Damonte Ranch Principal Darvel Bell. “Her classes are fun. Her kids love being in her classes,” he asserts. “I recently got to participate in one of her classes where the objective was to connect their art projects to businesses. This included developing a marketing plan and was a great example of how learning applies to the real world,” Bell remembers.

To learn more about Pilar, watch the video below: