Jeremy Divers is a freelance artist and full-time art educator with over 20 years of teaching experience. He teaches for the North Callaway Public School District in Kingdom City, Missouri. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Columbia College in 2001 and a Master of Education from the University of Missouri in 2009. Throughout his career, Jeremy has exhibited his artwork at venues such as the Presser Performing Arts Center, the Columbia Art League, and the Hannibal Art Council. His work has also been published in the Missouri Conservationist and the Missouri Ruralist magazines.

Born on January 16, 1979, in Mexico, Missouri, Jeremy was raised on a small farm by his grandparents, Barbara and James Woolfolk. He attributes much of his artistic inspiration to his rural upbringing, religious faith, and strong work ethic.

Jeremy began his educational journey at Hawthorne Elementary School in 1984, where he met his first mentor, Carol Bramon, who ignited his passion for art. During this time, he received his first commissioned work—a dinosaur mural for the school cafeteria—which was featured in several news segments and provided early recognition for his talent.

In 1993, Jeremy entered Mexico Senior High School, where he studied under Jane Norman, who provided foundational instruction and encouragement to pursue art at the collegiate level. He graduated in 1997 and earned an art scholarship to attend Columbia College.

Jeremy enrolled at Columbia College in 1997, where he was shaped by numerous influential mentors. These included Ed Collings, who fostered his love of photography; Ben Cameron, who strengthened his drawing and printmaking skills; Tom Watson, who taught two- and three-dimensional design; Richard Bauman, who deepened his understanding of art history and culture; and Mike Sleadd, a close friend and mentor who introduced him to illustration and graphic design. He also studied under Sydney Larson, his painting and drawing professor, with whom he traveled to Italy in 1998—an experience that sparked Jeremy’s lifelong passion for travel.

In 2001, Jeremy earned his B.F.A. from Columbia College and presented his first major exhibition, An Artist’s Journey, featuring more than 50 works created during his four years of study. The exhibition received multiple accolades, and several pieces were later featured in additional galleries and exhibitions.

In 2002, Jeremy returned to Columbia College to pursue certification in art education. By spring 2004, he completed his coursework, earned a near-perfect score on the Art Praxis exam, and became fully certified to teach K–12 art.

After applying to numerous school districts, Jeremy accepted his first teaching position with North Callaway Public Schools. He taught for two years at Williamsburg Elementary and Missouri Girls Town, followed by 14 years at Auxvasse Elementary, before ultimately joining North Callaway High School, where he continues to teach.

In 2009, the North Callaway School District supported Jeremy’s return to graduate studies, enabling him to earn his Master of Education from the University of Missouri. A self-described lifelong learner, he continues to pursue professional development and coursework.

Among his many accomplishments, Jeremy is especially proud of directing his first full-length student film, The Ghost Girl. Filmed over the course of a year with students ages 10–14, Jeremy wrote, filmed, and edited the project independently. The film’s premiere drew over 200 attendees and became the most successful event in the history of the Auxvasse After School Program.

In 2010, Jeremy was invited to chaperone a student trip to Europe through People to People International, an organization dedicated to cultural exchange and global leadership. Since that initial experience, he has led 14 international trips to more than two dozen countries and traveled to 20 U.S. states with students and adults. He now organizes tours for travelers of all ages and has partnered with award-winning organizations, including EF Tours, Explorica, and Diamond Tours.

Within his school district, Jeremy serves in numerous roles, including department chair, teacher mentor, musical co-director, yearbook designer, After-School Program Coordinator, and graphic design and photography teacher.

In his personal life, Jeremy has been happily married to his wife, Betsy, for 12 years. Together, they are the proud owners of three Cavalier King Charles Spaniels—Jordie, Charlie, and Willow. He remains close to his grandmother, mother, extended family, and friends. While Jeremy credits many educators for influencing his path, he considers his grandmother his greatest inspiration—a strong, independent woman who continues to work well into her 80s and encouraged him to pursue his goals and become the best teacher possible..