Kacee Conley—Middle School Art Educator of the Year

Background

The Nebraska Art Teachers Association has named Kacee Conley from Irving Middle School the 2019 Nebraska Middle School Art Educator of the Year. The mission of the Nebraska Art Teachers Association is to advocate for and advance art education in Nebraska to fulfill human potential and promote global understanding. Conley has proven herself as a leader and advocate for art education, both on the state and national level.

Explanation

Jason Shanahan, principal at Irving Middle School, said this about Conley:

“Kacee’s courses are popular with students, as they know they will be provided the opportunity to express themselves creatively as they develop their artistic skills. Her work as a professional extends beyond her classroom, as she serves the Irving community as the equity liaison. Kacee’s talents as an artist and an educator in the classroom are recognized on the state and national level.”

Lorinda Rice, art curriculum specialist for Lincoln Public Schools, said the following about Conley in nominating her for the award:

“Kacee has been instrumental in developing new middle-level curriculum and has taken on the role of presenter of curriculum and instruction to her peers. Kacee connects art–making to topics of student interest outside of the art room, both through integration of other curriculum and global thinking. Her focus on developing divergent thinkers, through various strategies, gives students who do not consider themselves artists opportunities to understand how artistic practices can develop capabilities of creative thinking for future problem-finders.”

Proposal

That the Lincoln Board of Education adopt the following resolution:

WHEREAS, Kacee Conley has been named 2019 Nebraska Middle School Art Educator of the Year; and

WHEREAS, Kacee Conley has served in leadership roles on the state level for art education and has presented at numerous national conferences; and

WHEREAS, Kacee Conley has been instrumental in the development of new middle school art curriculum for Lincoln Public Schools; and

WHEREAS, Kacee Conley constantly searches for new and creative ways to engage her students and to develop critical thinkers.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Lincoln Board of Education

does hereby congratulate Kacee Conley for being named the 2019 Nebraska Middle School Art Teacher of the Year.

Updated November 14, 2019