Every Student is an Artist: How Mr. Jeff Jaco Inspires Possibility

In the halls of Greenville Middle School, art isn't just a class—it’s a calling. And at the heart of that calling is Mr. Jeff Jaco, a middle school art teacher who believes that creativity lives in everyone, regardless of ability, background, or challenge.

Ask any of his students, and they’ll tell you: Mr. Jaco doesn’t just teach art, he unlocks it. His classroom is a space where all learners are welcomed, encouraged, and celebrated. For Mr. Jaco, the goal isn’t just creating beautiful pieces. It’s about also creating confidence, passion, and purpose through artistic expression.

One student who knows this firsthand is Addy, a joyful and determined 7th grader who has been visually impaired since birth. Her love for singing and acting has always been strong, but recently she’s found joy in flexing her creative muscle through art. With Mr. Jaco’s encouragement, Addy has discovered that while she may not be able to see her work the way others do, she can still feel her way to creating something amazing.

During a recent unit on shapes, Mr. Jaco went above and beyond to make sure Addy didn’t just learn the lesson—she experienced it. Side by side, he guided her through the process of identifying and drawing different shapes. Then, after she sketched her design, Mr. Jaco carefully traced over the lines she had drawn with hot glue. Why? So Addy could feel the shapes she had created. That tactile outline allowed her to confidently color within the boundaries, transforming her art into something that was not only visually expressive, but fully accessible.

And he didn’t stop there.

With that same creativity and care, Mr. Jaco also helped Addy sculpt a styrofoam elephant and design a three-dimensional mask—projects that introduced her to texture, structure, and new techniques she could explore through touch.

As seen in the photo, you can find Addy proudly holding her newest artwork piece alongside her elephant and facemask and you’ll notice something special: her favorite color, purple, covering both her creations and the sweatshirt she’s wearing. It’s the color she can see envision in her mind most clearly, and in Mr. Jaco’s classroom, it’s a symbol of possibility.

Mr. Jaco’s commitment to making art accessible proves that the possibilities are endless. His passion has created a ripple effect, empowering every student, including Addy, to believe in their creativity and embrace the artist within themselves.

At Greenville Middle School, art class isn’t just about brushes, paper, or clay. It’s about people. And because of Mr. Jaco, every student gets a chance to leave their mark on the canvas.

Next up on Addy’s bucket list?  To be Hollywood’s next famous voice actor.

You can check out Addy's artwork and other student artwork out on display this weekend at the Hunt County Festival of the Arts. For more information, visit: https://www.ci.greenville.tx.us/1333/Event-Hunt-County-Festival-of-the-Arts.