Nissa Sturgeon—2018 Nebraska Middle School Art Educator of the Year

Background

The Nebraska Art Teachers Association named Nissa Sturgeon the 2018 Middle School Art Educator of the Year. Sturgeon teaches at Park Middle School. The Middle School Art Educator of the Year award honors a teacher who has made outstanding contributions to art education in the classroom and beyond, including the school, district, community and state levels. During her career, Sturgeon has distinguished herself as an innovative and passionate teacher, as well as a leader in art education among her Lincoln Public Schools colleagues and peers across Nebraska.

Explanation

The Nebraska Art Teachers Association named Park Middle School teacher Nissa Sturgeon its 2018 Middle School Art Educator of the Year.

Lorinda Rice, art curriculum specialist for Lincoln Public Schools, said the following about Sturgeon when nominating her for this award:

“In the classroom, Nissa works above and beyond to meet the needs of her diverse students. When you walk in to Nissa’s classroom, you are embraced with her smile, laughter and energy. Park Middle School students come from a wide range of cultures and the work that students create in her class often reflect that.

For her fellow educators, Nissa is the core of our middle-level teacher team. She pulls from her prior knowledge and listens carefully for new information that might be added to her daily practice. Teachers listen to her to learn from the past and aim for new heights as they prepare units for the future.”

Proposal

That the Lincoln Board of Education adopt the following resolution:  

WHEREAS, Nissa Sturgeon has been named the 2018 Middle School Art Educator of the Year by the Nebraska Art Teachers Association; and

WHEREAS, Nissa Sturgeon conveys an energy and passion for art education that inspires her students; and

WHEREAS, Nissa Sturgeon shows a commitment to honor and incorporate the diversity of her students into their work in the classroom; and

WHEREAS, Nissa Sturgeon serves as a mentor and inspiration to her colleagues at Lincoln Public Schools and across the state; and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Lincoln Board of Education

does hereby congratulate Nissa Sturgeon for being named the 2018 Middle School Art Educator of the Year by the Nebraska Art Teachers Association.

Updated November 14, 2019