The Extended Board of the Virginia Art Education Association (VAEA) recently selected Michael Gettings, art specialist for Henrico County Public Schools, as the Virginia Art Educator of the Year for 2010. He was honored at the annual fall conference awards ceremony held in Norfolk on Nov. 6.

Next, Gettings (at left in photo, with Scott Russell, president of the Virginia Art Education Association) will become a candidate for the Southeastern Region Art Educator of the Year, the next step in the National Art Education Association (NAEA) Awards Program, initiated to recognize outstanding art educations from all divisions. The outcome will be announced in the spring of 2012. If selected as the winner, he will then be considered for the National Art Educator of the Year.

“This is an honor that is truly humbling,” says Gettings. “Visual Art education is a transformative experience for our students that teaches critical and creative thinking skills needed in the 21st century. Data from The College Board shows that students who take four years of arts and music classes while in high school score 103 points better on their SATs than students who took only one-half year or less. As the art specialist, I am fortunate to work with people that put incredible effort into teaching our children. This effort is shown in the beautiful works of art in our community, schools, and homes. It is also reflected in the advanced levels of excellence that our students achieve. “

Gettings has served as the art educational specialist for HCPS for three years. He previously taught for Chesterfield County Public Schools as an elementary and high school teacher and an instructional technology resource teacher. Prior to a career in art education, Gettings worked for WRVQ Q94 Radio for 13 years.

Gettings has served on the VAEA Board as the Youth Art Month Co-Chair and Technology Chair. He is the founding member of the Web Policy Committee for the National Art Education Association. His work has been published in the VAEA newsletter, “School Arts” magazine, and the NAEA newsletter.

His past awards include: Teacher of the Year 1999, Swift Creek Middle School; National Youth Art Month Award Winner 2005, 2006; Virginia Secondary Art Educator of the Year 2004; and Southeastern Region NAEA Secondary Art Teacher of the Year 2006.