In 2015, theSanta Barbara Bowl, in partnership with theSanta Barbara County Education Office, helped to create a new award recognizing the dedication and excellence of performing arts teachers throughout the county. The new Santa Barbara Bowl Performing Arts Teacher of the Year Award was just one of the many that were awarded at the 4th Annual Salute to Teachers on November 5. Additional teachers were recognized as Distinguished New Educators, Distinguished Mentors, and one recipient was named Santa Barbara County Teacher of the Year.

Brett Larsen, the Second Annual recipient for the SB Bowl's Performing Arts Teacher of the Year, was recognized for the work he does alongside Santa Barbara Bowl Education Outreach, the direct sponsor of this award. EdOut has had the opportunity of working with Brett Larsen in the past year through the Instrument Fund, which provides instrument repair and purchases for school music programs. Mr. Larsen is not only a music teacher at Adams Elementary School but also helped to spearhead instrument funding to K-6 schools in the Santa Barbara Unified School District in partnership with EdOut.

Congratulations to all of the teachers who were recognized, and we look forward to next year's awards!

Check out photos of the event here.