10/23/2026
Congratulations once again to Renee Fritts for being selected as the Kansas Art Education Association (KAEA) 2026 Outstanding Secondary Art Educator of the Year! She was recently recognized during the annual awards banquet at KAEA’s fall conference on October 9.
Renee graduated from Wichita State University in 2018, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education with an emphasis in ceramics. The fall after graduation, Renee began working at Derby Hills, El Paso and Tanglewood Elementary before teaching at Derby High School starting in the 2020-2021 school year. Initially teaching Clay Fundamentals, her role has grown to teaching additional classes, such as Clay Advanced Wheel, Advanced Drawing and Sculpture, Fibers and Creative Crafts.
“Earning a degree and teaching later in my career has been rewarding in ways I didn't realize,” Renee said. “Teaching art not only shows students how to create using techniques with particular mediums, it allows me to help students with problem solving skills and making connections. Students may have a challenge on a project, I try to help them navigate through it. Making connections has been rewarding and it has been so fun watching the students I had in elementary come and go through high school and on to college or work in the community and say hi with a smile when I see them.”
During the past seven years at DHS, Renee has been an integral part of her school art department. She has also been very involved in KAEA leadership and supported the arts within the school and local community. Her organizational roles include Secondary Representative, Treasurer, Photographer, and serving as 2024 Co-Host for Rock Springs Fall Conference and on Fall Conference and Award Committees. She has presented workshops on Adaptive Art and Bleach and Oil Stick dyeing techniques and overseen the Harry Hart Award Scholarship Competition. Renee has written an article for the KAEA newsletter and was interviewed by NAEA about teaching art during COVID.
Co-worker Natalie Brown shares that Renee “is an involved, caring educator who passionately supports our students and programs while serving the arts outside of the classroom.” At Tanglewood Elementary, Renee was the PTA Secretary and led “paint nights” with students and their parents. She currently co-sponsors the DHS National Art Honor Society Chapter, accompanies students on competitive trips, sets up art displays in several Derby venues and helps organize the annual K-Building Open House. Her students have received numerous ribbons at Youth Art Month, McPherson College, Emporia State University and the Congressional Art Competition. Renee’s personal work was displayed at Wazup Coffee House.
“At the same time I started working at the high school, I had a son starting school as a freshman and a daughter at Tanglewood Elementary, one of the three elementary schools I taught at,” Renee said. “Some days were hard but my kids gave me a drive. I wanted them to be proud and to see what a little hard work and dedication can do.”
Her many achievements throughout her career in art education have qualified her for this honor and recognition. We are proud of all Renee has accomplished and are glad to call her a Derby Panther!
