Kaitlyn Linscheid
Visual Arts teacher at Matthews Elementary, Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools
Education: Bachelor of Fine Arts with concentration in Art Education, UNC Charlotte (2020)
Hometown: Matthews, NC
As a child, Kaitlyn Lincheid was constantly painting, drawing, and collaging, and she even put on her own art shows to display her work for her whole family to enjoy. This passion for art only intensified as she got older and continued to study art in school. By the time she was in high school, she decided that she wanted to become an art teacher to combine her love of art and working with children. She chose art education at UNC Charlotte.
“As I teach lessons to my students from all different mediums, I am constantly reminded of techniques and experiences from my studio and ArtEd classes,” Kaitlyn says. “From abstract painting, printmaking, and even 3D Sculpture classes, I find myself reflecting back to processes and concepts that I share with my students daily. The Art Education program had such a supportive slate of professors that truly cared about my success in teaching art. They offered support, guidance, and equipped me to make a difference in the lives of so many young artists. Because of them, I am qualified to teach the best art practices and serve hundreds of students year after year.”
At Matthews Elementary School, where she is the only visual art educator. She teaches 750 Kindergarten-5th grade students. Each year, Kaitlyn organizes a school-wide student art exhibition.
“This art show features over 1,600 pieces of student art where ALL students have multiple pieces of art displayed,” she says. “This event is an evening dedicated to creativity and community where students and their families come together to celebrate artistic achievements, engage in collaborative art making, and enrich a sense of community involvement. The annual art show enhances our overall school culture by celebrating student’s creativity, fostering a sense of community, providing students with leadership opportunities, and by promoting inclusivity amongst our diverse population.”
Although she has taught for just five years, Kaitlyn is already being recognized for her excellence in the classroom. She has won the 2024-2025 Matthews Elementary Teacher of the Year, CMS K-5 Up and Coming Arts Educator of the Year Award for all of the district’s art, dance, and music teachers for the 2024-2025 school year, and the “2025 CATO Excellence in Teaching Award” awarded by the Arts and Science Council (ASC) of Charlotte.
Outside of the classroom Kaitlyn still enjoys creating her own personal art, which continues to keep her deeply rooted in the creative process. She enjoys painting various watercolor commission subjects, including pet portraits and home portraits. Kailtyn said, “It brings me great joy knowing my art will be cherished for years by others!” (@kaitlyn.linscheid.art)
Her advice for current students: “My advice to current students in the College of Arts + Architecture would be to not take a single course for granted. These Studio and ArtEd courses prepare/shape you in ways you may not realize in the moment and provide new, diverse avenues of thinking. I would also encourage students to get out of their comfort zone and study abroad if you are given the opportunity! Studying abroad (Kaitlyn went with art faculty and students to Ireland) was the highlight of my college career and taught me so much about myself, other cultures, and art exploration.”