About the Author

Jonathan Juravich

Jonathan Juravich is the 2018 Ohio Teacher of the Year and was one of four finalists for the 2018 National Teacher of the Year. He believes that by taking advantage of seemingly small moments, we can significantly impact others. Juravich is in his sixteenth year as the art educator at Liberty Tree Elementary in Powell, Ohio. Known as Mr. J, he challenges students to make the world a better place through art.

Juravich is the Building Environment Team leader at Liberty Tree Elementary School—overseeing school culture, partnerships, and social and emotional learning. As the district Elementary Visual Art Department Chair, he facilitates professional development, advances curriculum, and advocates for arts education best practices.

Juravich reaches out to the community locally and statewide by developing art programs with the Columbus Zoo, the Columbus Arts Festival, and the Ohio Art Education Association. He mentors future art educators as an adjunct instructor at Otterbein University, his alma mater. Juravich partnered with WOSU (PBS) to develop the digital series, Drawing with Mr. J, where students explore their emotions through simple and hilarious drawing challenges. The videos and lesson companions can be found at www.wosu.org/mrj.