On June 20, PHS Visual Arts teacher Matthew Pembleton received the Art Educators of New Jersey High School Division award for demonstrating the highest level of distinctive instruction that helps students blossom to their fullest potential.

According to the AENJ, this award is given out to teachers who have “achieved the highest level of professionalism in the field of visual arts education” and have “contributed their services in an exemplary manner to the Art Educators of New Jersey and the goals espoused for the profession.”

“It’s nice. I’ve been teaching [for] almost ten years, [so] this is nice encouragement and positive reinforcement,” Pembleton said.

Throughout his career at PHS, Pembleton has focused on a holistic approach to art, grounded in contemporary theory, practice, and skill building. In order to do this, he uses art history and modern events through images and current news to help inform instruction. Along with using this holistic approach to the curriculum, he also works to nurture connections with his students by creating a very student-centered classroom.

“He’s helped [me] by giving creative freedom for assignments and accommodating any ideas I might have,” said Mira Sawant ’24, a student in Studio Art IV.

Pembleton demonstrates a sense of calmness that is deeply valued in education. Because of this, among the art department at PHS, he is viewed like a rock, grounding everyone and calming the environment around him.

“He’s been a great mentor to me over the past couple of years, and he’s fun to be around because he brings my energy back down to a calm place,” said PHS Art Teacher Bridget Schmidt. “Nothing really fazes him in terms of chaos; he’s just very strong and instruction is the primary focus of his room. He [instructs] in a way that is calm, approachable, and just inviting.”

One of the most fundamental pieces of advice that guides Pembleton’s method of teaching is to have students step outside of their comfort zone.

“Trust yourself, even if it feels uncomfortable or different or new. If you’re feeling anxious, that’s okay; it means you have room to grow and you need to grow biologically,emotionally or technically — whatever it is,” Pembleton said.

In both the classroom and throughout the hallways, students have shown their appreciation for Pembleton’s teaching methods. Throughout her years of being mentored by him in Studio Art I, III, and IV, Sawant has valued his method of honing in on technical skills while also venturing out into personal style and strengths. One of her favorite ways to cultivate her artistic abilities in his class has been through his sketchbook assignments, which have allowed her to practice consistently and try new artistic techniques.

“He’s a great teacher who gives his students the most creative freedom possible, and in my experience, this has really allowed me to improve over the years,” Sawant said.

Students also specifically value how Pembleton lets each student stay true to their personal style, giving them independence.

“I don’t like hovering art teachers, or art teachers that talk too much, or try to do your work for you,” said Kaja Buettner ’24, another student in Studio Art IV. “I feel like all these things take away from the actual action of making art, and also infringe on my own creativity.”

Instead of imposing himself on their work, Pembleton encourages students to become independent in their own method through small suggestions and solutions to problems.

“By providing sketching and painting projects, he helps me to reinforce my own style. He has also introduced me to new art forms, like papermaking. Working with this new medium helped me step out of my comfort zone, which is really important when making art,” said Buettner ’24. “I think his personality and ideas make art class such a fun place for me; his passion for art is also so evident, and inspires my creativity.”

Pembleton’s deep passion for art has influenced his immense care for what he does and ultimately led to him earning the Art Educators of New Jersey High School Division award.

“I really think [art is] one of the most human things that people do,” said Pembleton. I love teaching art … It’s a lot of fun, and I certainly wouldn’t want to do anything else.”