The Texas Performing Arts Educator of the Year Award celebrates a Central Texas K-12 Educator who exemplifies the value of the arts in the classroom. This could be a teacher of a traditional artistic discipline, or a teacher of another subject who effectively incorporates the arts into their instruction.
Nominees for consideration are educators who inspire the creativity of students and serve their school community through the arts.
The winner is determined by a panel based on the information submitted within this nomination.
2026/27 Educator of the Year Nominations will open at a later date.
Major support for The Educator of the Year Award is provided by the Texas Performing Arts Educator Excellence Endowment established by Sheri Clark Henriksen.
Header Photo Credit: Brian Birzer
2025/26 – Natalia Luna, Lamar Middle School (Austin ISD)
2024/25 – Olin Meadows, Benold Middle School (Georgetown ISD)
Natalia Luna is awarded the TPA Educator of the Year Award in 2026. Photo Credit: Sandy Carson