Leesburg Teacher Named Virginia's Elementary Art Teacher Of The Year

LEESBURG, VA — Seldens Landing Elementary School art teacher Stephen Loya has been named the Virginia Art Education Association's Elementary Art Teacher of the Year.

Loya received the award Oct. 23 at the association's annual conference in Richmond, according to Loudoun County Public Schools. Recipients are evaluated on their classroom accomplishments and contributions to their communities.

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Loya has taught at Seldens Landing for 26 years and leads an after-school art program three to four evenings a week. He said his goal is to help students express themselves while developing curiosity and empathy.

"It's nice to be seen," Loya said. "To be nominated by one of my colleagues that I really respect meant so much."

Loya said art classes give students opportunities to discover strengths that may not emerge in other subjects. He particularly enjoys hearing about students who continue creating outside school with encouragement from their families.

He credited the Seldens Landing community for supporting art education, including strong participation in his after-school program.

Principal Garett Brazina praised Loya for encouraging students to think creatively, take pride in their efforts and celebrate their work.