Virginia’s Art Educator of the Year and Virginia’s Secondary Art Educator of the Year both teach in Chesterfield County Public Schools.
Virginia’s Art Educator of the Year - Jimi Herd
Jimi Herd, the visual art curriculum specialist for Chesterfield County Public Schools, is Virginia’s Art Educator of the Year. The Virginia Art Education Association announced his award in November.
Herd’s distinguished career in art education and leadership started as an art teacher at Swift Creek Elementary. From that 2007 beginning to his current position leading visual arts instruction for all Chesterfield County schools, he has exemplified dedication, innovation and advocacy.
With an unwavering commitment to fostering creativity, supporting educators and elevating arts education, Herd always keeps what is best for students and teachers at the center of his instructional leadership. His work has continually won awards, including NPR’s 50 Great Teachers in USA (2016); NAEA Southeastern Region Elementary Educator of the Year (2015); Virginia Elementary Art Educator of the Year (2013); and CCPS Elementary Visual Art Teacher of the Year (2013)
.Herd is a transformative educator whose expertise, leadership and passion have made a lasting impact on the field of art education. His influence extends beyond Chesterfield County Public Schools through his work with the Virginia Art Education Association and the National Art Education Association. At regional and state levels, he consistently inspires art educators with his expertise as a presenter. Additionally, his advocacy contributed to Virginia’s official recognition of March as Youth Art Month.
Herd is an accomplished artist and writer, with numerous publications and public murals that reflect his creative voice and dedication to community engagement. His genuine care and uplift of the people around him are core to who he is, not just as an art educator but as a human being.
Virginia’s Secondary Art Educator of the Year - Shannon Sissokho
The Virginia Art Education Association named Shannon Sissokho of Thomas Dale High as the state’s Secondary Art Educator of the Year. Earlier in 2025, she was selected as the High School Visual Arts Educator of the Year for Chesterfield County Public Schools.
An outstanding teacher and department chair, Sissokho displays leadership and guidance not only for visual arts but for performing and theater as well. She has built up the Specialty Center for the Arts while facilitating her own students to create meaningful art. Previously, she taught for three years at Meadowbrook High and three years at Carver Middle, joining Thomas Dale High in 2021.
This past year alone, she co-authored and secured approval for a new Specialty Center for the Arts curriculum, co-led the districtwide Fine Arts Festival hosted at her school and coordinated three student exhibitions in the community — including a culminating senior showcase that celebrated student achievement at the highest level.
Sissokho models what it is to be a leader every day and takes care of students and staff in our community. She is the very definition of a tireless educator: dedicated not only to her students but also to the continual growth of our visual arts program and the districtwide arts community. She doesn’t just teach art — she builds the foundation for its longevity.