Art Educator of the Year

Igniting a Lifelong Appreciation for the Arts

At the heart of Matt’s teaching philosophy is the belief that every student is an artist and has their own stories to tell. Matt works diligently to create a classroom environment where students feel seen, heard, and valued as part of the classroom community where they can feel safe to collaborate and express themselves through their art. Matt challenges his students to ask questions and take risks in their work. His students grow, not only as artists, but as resilient individuals by embracing and learning from their mistakes. Summing up his philosophy, Matt says, “I aim to inspire my students to see art not just as a subject in school but as a lens through which they can interpret and shape their experiences. By connecting classroom projects to real-world issues and integrating contemporary and historical examples, I help students understand art’s relevance and potential to drive change.”

Matt’s inspiring influence is not limited to the classroom. Nominator, Gayle Trueblood, remarks, “Matt has shown extraordinary leadership within the art education community. He has served in multiple roles in the OAEA, including Vice President of Regions, Conference Coordinator, and President. Additionally, his involvement with the NAEA has led him to numerous leadership positions. These contributions underscore his unwavering dedication to advancing the field of art education and supporting his peers.” This sentiment was mirrored in comments from Matt’s co-teacher, Jake Schimberg, who wrote in his support letter, “ Throughout all of his accomplishments, Matt Young remains humble and a compassionate colleague. He is deeply committed to supporting the growth of other educators and creating opportunities for students to engage meaningfully in the arts.”

In his 30 years as an educator, Matt Young has accrued many accomplishments and honors. He is a dedicated member of both OAEA and NAEA and has served in many capacities and has been recognized, as well. His dedication  and expertise has been shared through speaking engagements and published work.

In a statement that supports Matt’s commitment to excellence in education, Stacy Tennenbaum, former Administrator at Pickerington High School Central stated, “Matt’s impact on students and the community has been profound. He has cultivated a love of art in countless students, inspiring them to explore their creativity and pursue their artistic passions. He has also enriched our community through his dedication to public art projects and his commitment to fostering artistic expression.”

Matt’s OAEA Accomplishments:

OAEA President: 2020-2022

OAEA President Elect: 2018-2020

OAEA Past President: 2023

OAEA Conference Coordinator: 2023

OAEA Vice President: 2016-2018

OAEA House of Representatives Chair: 2014-2015

OAEA Secondary Chair: 2014-16

OAEA Conference Presenter: 2012-2023

OAEA Summer Symposium Presenter: 2018, 2020-2023

OAEA Central Region Outstanding Art Teacher: 2015

OAEA Secondary Teacher of the Year: 2016

OAEA Fellow: 2023

COAEA PR/Advocacy Chair: 2012-14

NAEA Accomplishments:

NAEA Western Region VP Elect 2024

NAEA Research Commission Secondary Chair: 2016 - 2019

NAEA Quarterly L2L Webinars: 2017, 2018, 2019

NAEA Conference Proposal Reviewer: Research Commission 2016 - 2019

NAEA Conference Proposal Reviewer: Secondary 2017 - 2019

NAEA Conference Participant: 2015 - 2023

NAEA Conference Presenter: 2015 - 2023

NAEA School for Art Leaders: 2015

NAEA NAHS Chapter Sponsor: 2015 - 2023

NAEA National Delegate: 2019-2023

NAEA National Summer Leadership Forum Participant: 2020, 2022

NAEA Digital L2L Meetings: 2018 - 2023

NAEA Western Region Accomplishments:

NAEA Western Region Secondary Representative: 2017-2019

NAEA Summer Summit Planning Committee: 2021

NAEA Regional Summer Summit Guest Speaker: 2021

NAEA Regional Summer Summit Participant: 2017, 2021, 2023

Student Learning Outcomes Development Team Pickerington Local Schools: 2013-2018

Pickerington Local School Building Leadership Team: 2005 - 2023

Pickerington Local Schools Sunny Side Up Leadership Coordinator: 2005 - 2019

Jewish Community Center of Columbus Adult Education Jewelry Instructor: 1995-2001

Adult Education Graduate Credit Educator, Ashland University: 2001-2015

Adult Education Graduate Credit Educator, Rio Grande University: 2005-2018

Ohio Department of Education Regional Leader in Art Education: 2014-2018

Ohio Department of Education Model Curriculum Writer: 2013-2015

Ohio Department of Education Rubric Writer: 2013-2015

Ohio Department of Education State Standards Committee: 2016-2018, 2021-2022

Innovative teaching and/or related activities:

North Carolina Art Association Lead Speaker Conference: 2017, 2019

Rhode Island art Education Keynote Speaker: 2025

Wisconsin Keynote Speaker: 2025

Fairfield ESC Online Arts Curriculum Writer: 2021 - 2023

Pickerington Local Schools Curriculum Testing Development Team: 2013 - 2023

Pickerington Local Schools Visual Arts Curriculum Team: 2005-2023

The Art of Education Content Creator: 2018, 2020, 2021

Publications and/or exhibits:

Scholastic Arts and Writing: Digital Media Book- 2020

Scholastic Arts and Writing: Text Art, 3D Graffiti, Digital Impressionism -2016, 2018, 2020

Exhibitions

OAEA Artist Show: 2018

COAEA Teacher as Artist Show: 2023

Past Recipients of the Ohio Art Educator of the Year

Jonathan Juravich 2024 Beverly Finkel 2023
​Juliann Dorff 2022
Carrie Barnett  2021
Alice Tavani  2020
Susan Ruttle Lawrence  2019
Linda Hoeptner Poling  2018
Randall Robert  2017
Sarah Danner Hebdo  2016
Laura Tawil  2015
Marge Hilliard-Leberecht  2014
Sandra Noble  2013
Monte Garrabrant  2012
Suzanne Mitolo  2011
​Sherrie Dennis  2010
Dennis Cannon  2009

We're working on adding more to the list. If you are a past award winner, or know who else has won (and their year) - Please email us at the link below!