Carol Pinkins
Carol Pinkans is a retired art educator with nearly four decades of experience in K–12 education, specializing in middle- and elementary-school art programs. Throughout her career, she has been committed to delivering high-quality arts education, developing innovative curricula, and creating meaningful exhibition opportunities for students. Her professional journey includes a long tenure at South Colonie Central School District, where she inspired generations of students through hands-on instruction in drawing, printmaking, and visual arts, while integrating contemporary techniques and fostering creativity across age groups. Beyond the classroom, Carol has been a dedicated leader and volunteer in the New York State Art Teachers Association (NYSATA) and National Art Education Association (NAEA). She has chaired the NYSATA Legislative Student Art Exhibit, a flagship public showcase for student artwork, and served as Region 6 Vice-Chairperson, helping to mentor new educators and coordinate statewide arts initiatives. Carol’s involvement in these organizations reflects her strong commitment to arts advocacy, mentorship, and professional collaboration, ensuring that students and teachers alike have access to rich artistic experiences. Carol holds a Bachelor of Science in Art Education with a double concentration in drawing and printmaking, and a Master of Science in Elementary Education with a concentration in reading, both from The College of Saint Rose. She is certified by the New York State Education Department in Art Education (K–12) and Elementary Education (N–6). Her career has been recognized with multiple honors, including NYSATA Region 6 Art Educator of the Year and a nomination for NYS Art Educator of the Year. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Carol has volunteered as a foster parent, combining her dedication to service with her passion for nurturing creativity and resilience in young people.
• NYSED Permanent Certification Art Education K–12
• NYSED Permanent Certification Elementary Education N–6
• The College of Saint Rose – Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Art Education N-12; Double Concentration: Drawing/Printmaking
• The College of Saint Rose – Master of Science (M.S.), Elementary Education N-6; Concentration: Reading
• NYS Art Educator of the Year Nominee, New York State Art Teachers Association, May 2021
• NYSATA Region 6 Art Educator of the Year, Nov 2007 – Presented for Professional Excellence in the Field of Art Education
• New York State Art Teachers Association
• National Art Education Association
• NYSATA Legislative Student Art Exhibit – Chairperson
• NYSATA Region 6 – Vice-Chairperson
• Licensed Foster Parent
What do you attribute your success to?
I truly, I've had a most blessed career path, being that my principal that hired me was my health teacher when I was in high school, they saw everything in me that I didn't see. So, between my parents, my professors, my supervisors, my principals, my colleagues, of course, too. I mean, because we get together, we collaborate, we have curriculum constantly changing because the world of education is constantly changing. Our student dynamics are constantly changing, and I've just been very blessed with a completely supported career on many, many levels
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
A professor at SUNY Plattsburgh recognized my potential as a teacher and advised me to pursue a validated art-education program. That guidance led me to transfer to the College of Saint Rose to complete my art education studies.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Continue learning and mentoring: seek out professional communities, share what you know, be a responsible gatekeeper for technology (including AI), and use your voice to advocate for arts education.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The opportunity lies in integrating AI and digital tools responsibly as part of the artist’s toolbox and as pedagogical resources. The challenge is preserving the role and recognition of certified visual-arts teachers, particularly with policy changes that broaden who may teach visual-arts courses. Advocacy and education around proper use of tools is critical.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Advocacy, responsibility, authenticity, collaboration, mentorship, and service to students and the arts community are the values I hold most dearly.
Locations
Capital Region BOCES
Niskayuna, NY 12309