Art Teacher From Smithtown HS East Receives Educator Award

SMITHTOWN, NY — Tim Needles, an art teacher at Smithtown High School East, was recognized as the winner of the 2021 Eastern Region Secondary Art Educator Award by the National Art Education Association (NAEA), according to the Smithtown Central School District.

The award is determined through a peer review of nominations and recognizes the "exemplary contributions, service and achievements of an outstanding NAEA member" each year at the regional level within their division. The award was presented during the virtual NAEA 2021 National Convention.

The NAEA's mission champions creative growth and innovation by advancing the tools and resources for a high-quality visual arts, design and media arts education throughout diverse populations and communities.

The NAEA is the leading professional membership organization exclusively for visual arts educators. Members include elementary, middle, and high school visual arts educators, college and university professors, university students preparing to become art educators, researchers and scholars, teaching artists, administrators and supervisors and art museum educators.