AURORA — The Illinois Art Education Association has named Karen (Brady) Popovich the 2012 Illinois Art Educator of the Year.

Popovich grew up in Neponset and is the daughter of Don and Mary Brady. She currently resides in Aurora, and teaches at Indian Prairie School District 204’s Metea Valley High School in Aurora. She earned her bachelor’s degree in studio art from North Central College in 1996 and her master’s degree from Northern Illinois University in 2001.

The annual award recognizes the exemplary contributions, service and achievements of an outstanding IAEA member. The award was presented at the IAEA conference in Lisle on Nov. 2.