BROWNSBURG, Ind. -  

Delaware Trail Elementary School visual arts teacher Suzanne Whitton was named Indiana's 2013 Teacher of the Year Friday at a surprise school assembly.

Whitton received the award from Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett.

“Ms. Whitton’s passion for encouraging students to discover their inner artists and use their talents to benefit the greater community is evident in her classroom each day,” Bennett said. “The success enjoyed by her students reflects directly upon her enthusiasm, compassion and commitment to both excellence and service. 

Whitton said she believes her students’ successes are a reflection of her teaching philosophy, which includes nourishing students’ artistic talent and showing them they can make a difference in the world. 

“Ms. Whitton’s knowledge, skills and personality make it possible for her to successfully teach students of all ages,” said Jim Snapp, Superintendent of Brownsburg Community School Corporation.

Whitton received undergraduate degrees in Art Education and Fine Arts, as well as a Masters of Art Education, from the Herron School of Art and Design at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.

An Indiana Department of Education committee comprised of past Teacher of the Year honorees, external community and education leaders, and IDOE personnel selected Whitton as the Teacher of the Year after interviewing and visiting the classrooms of ten finalists.

Whitton will be Indiana’s nominee for the 2013 National Teacher of the Year honor.

All 46 Indiana Teacher of the Year candidates will be recognized at a banquet in Indianapolis on Oct. 12.