The Randolph County School System is proud to celebrate one of its talented educators, Jared Slack, who is featured in the July issue of Our State magazine.

Slack serves as the art teacher at Ramseur Elementary School, Coleridge Elementary School, and Grays Chapel Elementary School, where he inspires students each day to see the beauty and creativity in the world around them. The feature highlights not only his artistic talent but also the passion and perspective he brings to both his artwork and his classroom.

In the magazine article, Slack shares his love of painting North Carolina's landscapes and everyday moments. Whether he's capturing the reflections of his family's vintage Airstream camper, painting in one of North Carolina's state parks, or preserving the beauty of a quiet afternoon outdoors, his work is rooted in finding inspiration in ordinary places.

"I like to find the beauty in every day," Slack says in the feature.

That same philosophy is one he shares with his students throughout the school year. With more than two decades of teaching experience, Slack encourages young artists to express themselves, embrace creativity, and appreciate the artistic process. Rather than striving for perfection, he teaches students to value the unique brushstrokes, textures, and personal stories that make every piece of art meaningful.

Outside the classroom, Slack is an accomplished artist whose paintings have been exhibited and sold at art fairs across North Carolina. He also teaches art appreciation and education courses at the college level, while continuing to travel throughout the state with his family, finding inspiration in North Carolina's mountains, coast, forests, and campgrounds.

The Our State feature also highlights the important role family has played in shaping Slack's artistic journey. Inspired by his father, who introduced him to painting outdoors, Slack now shares that same love of creativity with his wife and three daughters, each of whom has developed her own artistic talents.

While his work has earned statewide recognition, Slack remains committed to sharing his passion with students across Randolph County. His classrooms at Ramseur Elementary, Coleridge Elementary, and Grays Chapel Elementary are places where imagination is encouraged, creativity is celebrated, and young artists are given the confidence to develop their own unique voices.

"We are incredibly proud of Mr. Slack for this well-deserved recognition," said Randolph County School System Public Information Officer, Amber Ward. "His talent as an artist is remarkable, but what makes an even greater impact is the way he inspires creativity, curiosity, and confidence in our students every day. We are fortunate to have educators like Mr. Slack helping our students discover the joy of learning through the arts."

The Randolph County School System congratulates Jared Slack on being featured in Our State magazine and thanks him for enriching the lives of students through his dedication to arts education. His story is a reminder that great teachers do more than teach a subject—they inspire students to see the world through a new lens.

To read the article in Our State magazine, click here.