In Angela Rountree's classroom, art is more than just paints, clay and canvas.

Art is the outlet, which Rountree uses to express the need for social change. Art is the catalyst for inspiring environmental conscience.

Rountree, an Owings Mills resident, was named the 2012 Baltimore County Teacher of the Year Thursday for her work inside and outside of her Ridgely Middle School classroom.

Watch the video to hear more from Angela Rountree.

An introduction to multicultural education class at Ohio State—Rountree's alma mater—changed her perception about what it was to be an art teacher.

"It allowed me to examine my own education and question how was I going to break the chain of tradition," Rountree said. "I've made it my mission to include all students by creating lessons which reflect the cultures represented in my classroom, my community, society and beyond.

"I want students to see that they can make a difference in the world," she continued.

Her students' artworks, which adorn the Blue Ribbon award-winning middle school, explore and support social change, according to Superintendent Joe Hairston. For the past decade, she has led the school's "Arts and Actions" event, with the last four years dedicated to environmental awareness. She also sponsos an after school ceramics club and co-sponsors a photography club.