WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04) welcomes Benjamin Hoffman, visual arts educator at Kutztown High School and Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year finalist, as her guest to President Biden’s State of the Union address on March 7, 2024.
Mr. Hoffman graduated from Kutztown University in 2015 with a BFA and a Bachelor of Science in Art Education. For the past eight years, he has taught a breadth of courses, from Intro to Studio Art to AP Studio Art, at Kutztown High School.
As an educator, Mr. Hoffman continues to expand artistic and educational opportunities for his students—and as the sole visual arts instructor and Chair of the Encore Department, he has the privilege of meeting every young artist in the school community, helping them to hone their skills, deepen their understanding of the arts, and cultivate tools for self-expression.
Benjamin is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Art Education at Indiana University of Bloomington; he recently completed his second master’s degree from Kutztown University in Arts Administration. Outside of the classroom, Benjamin serves as the President of the Pennsylvania Art Education Association, working to advance the field of art education while supporting a board of nearly 40 art educators across the Commonwealth.
Throughout his career, Mr. Hoffman has become an integral part of not just the school community, but Kutztown as a whole. He serves as a volunteer firefighter with the Kutztown Fire & Rescue, previously leading the station as president. He also completed a 20’ x 60’ mural along the outside of the building, combining his roles as artist and volunteer firefighter to enhance the community’s public art.
“Every student deserves a quality education—it is a right enshrined in our Pennsylvania constitution and an ideal we must all be committed to fulfill, so it is my privilege to welcome Benjamin Hoffman as my State of the Union guest,” Rep. Dean said. “Teachers dedicate their lives to their students—having a profound impact that challenges and inspires students to reach their potential. And as arts education is routinely threatened with funding cuts, it is especially important to highlight the critical role that the arts play in a child’s life, which offers them space to grow in creativity and self-expression. Benjamin is a leader for his students, as well as his community, always finding ways to teach, create, and serve. I’m grateful to celebrate his work—and the work of all teachers—as they educate and guide our future leaders.”
“The arts cultivate creativity and critical thinking skills in students, fostering a holistic approach to learning. Through engaging artistic expression, students communicate, empathize, and understand diverse perspectives, enriching education with interdisciplinary connections essential for navigating today's complex world. It is not about altering the curriculum but shifting power to students as active contributors and future leaders,” Benjamin Hoffman said. “A creative and curious mindset is essential for tackling global challenges, and as educators, we inspire learning beyond the classroom. Recognizing the importance of public education and teacher preparation programs, we ensure equitable access and support for all students and teachers. I am deeply honored to stand as a representative of my community, to joyfully celebrate my students and school district, and to have the privilege of joining Congresswoman Madeleine Dean on this momentous occasion.”
From Bucks County, Benjamin met his wife Meagan in college, and the two have been together ever since. The couple has been married for almost five years and are proud parents to their daughter, Ava, and a baby boy on the way. Also devoted to the Kutztown School District, Meagan is a middle school life skills teacher.
Whether painting alongside his students, leading the National Art Honor Society chapter, or volunteering, Benjamin is a dedicated teacher and role model, leading with creativity and a commitment to his community.
Rep. Madeleine Dean is a mother, grandmother, attorney, professor, former four-term member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U.S. Representative for the Fourth District of Pennsylvania.
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