We can all remember a teacher who made a positive impact on our life. For the last 28 years, James Carlson has left an outstanding impression across the schools of Duluth.

“I’ve been an art teacher for a long time, and it’s always been like a passion of mine is art.”

James has taught all across Duluth, from the elementary schools and middle schools to Denfeld and now East where he has been teaching for the past five years. Growing up, he was surrounded by family members who were artists. A cousin who paints every day, a great grandfather who was an artist, and a great aunt who was an art teacher in Superior back in the 70s. It was his family and a career awareness test that helped him find his career while going for his degree at the University of Minnesota Duluth.

As Mr. Carlson taught at varying levels; he would adapt his courses to fit his students and make sure they get their own hands-on experience. Because of this some students have gotten to have Mr. Carlson as their teacher both at the beginning and the end of their education.

“I love teaching each level you know an elementary kid is so much fun watching them work because they’re not self-conscious about drawing a person they just grab a pencil,” Mr. Carlson said. As he said that he also appreciates the level of depth, techniques, and materials they have gotten into at the 9-12 grades he teaches today.

Mr. Carlson’s connection to his student goes beyond the classroom. He joins them at sports games, graduations and their parties. Students have also gone to Carlson to study for a test. Many students are grateful for his contributions to the Pottery Club at Duluth East High School.

When he first started at East, the club was around five students. But pretty soon word began to spread as currently they have 56 students who are a part of the pottery club with many others interested. Students make their own shirts and designs for the club as Mr. Carlson helps each student flourish who has found their spark in ceramics.

In any of his wide range of art courses Mr. Carlson teaches; he works to nurture the creativity of each student no matter the level of experience. He collaborates closely with the school’s Youth Art Month and one-act play to allow his students to showcase their hard work. As many of his students are given a chance to see what they are capable of.

“I never thought I was such a huge artist or anything, but he’s taught me how to explore the creative side of myself and also how to expand on my creative skills.” One of Mr. Carlson students said. So, as they look to the next steps in their education, they can see how their classes with Mr. Carlson have impacted them.

“It’s funny to see like how often someone has a major and a plan to go to college to get a business degree or something and they start taking art classes and suddenly their major is maybe changed into art or they’re minoring in it “

For these reasons, and so many more, James Carlson is an Outstanding Teacher of the Northland.