Great art educators and supporters in our state are recognized at the state, regional and national levels. 
At the annual UAEA conference, deserving educators and supporters are recognized.

To nominate your colleagues for this coming year, use this online form.

You may nominate in as many categories as you like:

Utah Art Educator of the Year
The award winner for this category should have a history of highly accomplished teaching. They should EDUCATE by writing curriculum, standards, and/or assessments, mentoring new teachers, and providing enriching and engaging content for their students. They should ADVOCATE by creating artwork outside the classroom and supporting students in contests and exhibitions. They should PARTICIPATE by being leaders within their schools, districts, professional, online communities, and organizations. This would include maintaining active memberships, sharing knowledge, volunteering or leading committees, or holding leadership positions within these organizations. There is no grade level requirement for this award; the educator stands out above and beyond all their peers in local, state, and national levels of participation, education, and advocacy. This Educator has usually been recognized in another awards category in previous years.

Utah Elementary Art Educator of the Year
The award winner for this category should have a history of highly accomplished teaching within the elementary grade levels (K-6). They should educate, advocate and participate in their local and state organizations and committees. Most of all, they should set an example for how visual art should be taught at the elementary level. They should be involved at the local district level in curriculum development, art shows, contests, and program advocacy. This award is given to the Elementary classroom teacher or specialist that stands out above and beyond all their peers at local and state levels of participation, education, and advocacy.

Utah Middle School Art Educator of the Year
The award winner for this category should have a history of highly accomplished teaching within the middle school/junior high-grade levels(7-9). They should educate, advocate and participate in their local and state organizations and committees. Most of all, they should set the example for how visual art should be taught at the middle school level. They should be involved at the local district level in curriculum development, art shows, contests, and program advocacy. This award is given to the middle school or junior high art teacher or specialist that stands out above and beyond all their peers at local and state levels of participation, education, and advocacy.

Utah High School Art Educator of the Year
The award winner for this category should have a history of highly accomplished teaching within the high school grade levels(9-12). They should educate, advocate and participate in their local and state organizations and committees. Most of all, they should set the example for how visual art should be taught at the high school level. They should be involved at the local district level in curriculum development, art shows, contests, and program advocacy. They should be a practicing artist and help students plan and apply for art schools and colleges. This award is given to the high school art teacher that stands out above and beyond all their peers at local and state levels of participation and advocacy.

Utah Higher Education Art Educator of the Year
The award winner for this category should have a history of highly accomplished teaching within the college, university, or art academy levels. They should educate, advocate and participate in their local and state organizations and committees. Most of all, they should set the example for how visual art should be taught at the college level. They should be involved at their local college level in curriculum development, art shows, contests, and program advocacy. They should be a practicing artist, help students plan and reach out to high school students for applications and assist graduating college students in finding art careers. At a minimum, they should be involved on the state or national level by presenting at conferences, but other forms of state leadership should be evident. This award is given to the college-level art teacher that stands out above and beyond all their peers at local and state levels of participation and advocacy.

Utah Museum Educator of the Year
This award recognizes outstanding achievements and contributions by employees of a museum or art museum programming. Candidate has held vital leadership roles on multiple occasions outside of NAEA, state/province/regional associations, and/or has significantly influenced the art and museum education field nationally or internationally. The candidate also shows long-term involvement in professional organizations and groups other than NAEA, has received honors or grants, and shows proof of assuming a leadership role within their institution. Activities would include: leading workshops and developing art and/or museum education programs for a variety of audiences; planning and teaching professional development for educators and/or museum docents; developing museum-based curriculum/resources; developing and implementing public programs; conducting research on art museum education, and writing frameworks within or in collaboration with the public schools among other things. This award is given to the museum employee or volunteer that stands out above and beyond all their peers at local and state levels of participation and advocacy.

Utah Administrator/District Art Coordinator of the Year
The award winner for this category should have an extensive history of highly accomplished arts support within the supervisory or administration position. They should be involved at the local district level in supporting and participating in curriculum development, art shows, contests, and program advocacy. This award is given to the principal or other district administrator that stands out above and beyond all their peers at local and state levels of arts advocacy. 

Utah Preservice Art Educator Award
Individuals in their first year of teaching within the PreK-12 group are eligible. This award is intended to recognize excellence among new art educators based on their successes in student teaching and as first-year teachers. 

Utah Lifetime Achievement Award
The award winner for this category recognizes an individual for their lifetime professional achievement with art and art education. Nominations should include Individuals who have made notable contributions throughout their lifetimes to visual arts education through their work as teachers, lecturers, and/or artists. This award is given to educators furthering the theory and practice of teaching and learning about art, promoting art education's role and essential value for human development, and developing accountability systems for assessing student growth.

*Utah Agent of Change in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Award
This award winner for this category recognizes an individual who exemplifies, demonstrates, and/or leads social impact or social justice efforts in their work within visual arts, design, and media arts education. We acknowledge that addressing systemic transformation requires agents of change, allies, and accomplices. The award intends to honor and amplify those who are raising voices that have been and continue to be marginalized. The added intellectual and emotional burden that such art educators face in their work in contributing to the advancement of equity, diversity, and/or accessibility in art education. 

Art History Educator of the Year
This award winner for this category recognizes an individual who has been actively engaged in teaching art history at the middle and high school levels. Studying art history contributes to who we are as humans. Art gathers knowledge and inspiration that contribute to understanding how past events made things the way they are today. 

 Utah Distinguished Service Outside the Profession Award
This award recognizes achievements and contributions in previous years by persons or organizations in or outside the field of art education. This award is open to any person or organization demonstrating significant support of visual arts education.