Schools
Smithtown Teacher Named Top Art Educator In New York State
The honor, the highest in the state, celebrates a teacher who has "demonstrated an enduring commitment to the field of art education."

SMITHTOWN, NY — Tim Needles, the technology integration specialist at Smithtown Central School District, is adding some new hardware to his mantel.
Needles was named the 2025 NYSATA NY State Art Educator of the Year, the district announced.
This prestigious honor, the highest recognition NYSATA can bestow, celebrates the top art educator in the state, and one who has "demonstrated an enduring commitment to the field of art education."
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Needles has worked as an educator for over 25 years, and is an artist, performer, and author of the book STEAM Power from International Society for Technology in Education.
Earlier in June, Needles was named one of district administration’s Top 100 for 2025.
Find out what's happening in Smithtownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
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