Mr. Elkin, the superlative art instructor at Washington High School, is "a distinguished teacher, a great motivator, and a genuine artist," says his student Marian K. Dilan. Not only does he motivate his students with renowned speakers, customize his class projects for each individual, and run the extracurricular art club, but he also personally insures that every one of his senior art students makes it into the perfect college.

And the praises do not stop there! In the words of his student Laura Ramie, "I've found that he's a friend and even a parental figure, as well as a teacher." Assistant Principal Carol Halbe agrees: "he is an exceptional teacher, an approachable and friendly person, and a role model in the arts."

As Marian Dilan says, Mr. Elkin even spoke to her parents, who didn't take art seriously; he "turned their minds around and they are now very supportive [of her] goals." He has "made great positive transformations and improvements in the art department," she adds, and now "the school has started to appreciate art more than ever before."

For all the wonderful support he offers to his students both inside and outside of the curriculum, and the creativity and vitality he brings to every class, Mr. Elkin was awarded our October 2005 Teacher of the Month Award!