Art teacher named one of five teachers of the year
JANESVILLE, Wis. (WKOW) — Devon Calvert, an art teacher at Harmony Elementary School in the School District of Milton, has been named one of five 2026-27 Teachers of the Year by State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly.
The announcement came during a schoolwide surprise celebration Friday at Harmony Elementary. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, in partnership with Herb Kohl Philanthropies, selects five Teachers of the Year annually to represent elementary schools, middle schools, high schools and special services.
“Mr. Calvert’s passion for teaching and the arts inspires creativity in all of his students,” Underly said. “He is deeply committed to celebrating every student’s artistic talent, ensuring they have opportunities to share their artwork and collaborate on creative pieces for everyone to enjoy.”
Calvert has spent the past 11 years teaching at Harmony and Consolidated Elementary Schools. He blends art history and contemporary artists to inspire creativity in his K-3 students.
He played a key role in Harmony Elementary School being selected as one of the first schools in the nation to pilot the National Elementary Art Honor Society. The program provides students with the opportunity to complete service-learning projects within the community.
As part of the recognition, Calvert will receive a $3,000 award from Herb Kohl Philanthropies.
Three of the five teachers to be recognized work in the 27 News viewing area. Kristen Scott, a fourth-grade teacher at Nuestro Mundo Community School, and Tonya Lassanske, a counselor at Sauk Prairie High School, were both recipients.
