Shelby Rix — 2021 Middle School Art Educator of the Year

Background

The Nebraska Art Teachers Association has named Shelby Rix the 2021 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. Rix has proven herself as an advocate for art education who strives to help students reach their full potential.

Explanation

Mickle Middle School Instructional Coordinator Jason Brunott said this about Rix:

“Shelby strives to do her best as an art educator and challenges her students to reach their full potential. Her willingness to take suggestions, modify lessons and experiment with new strategies demonstrates her motivation and growth related to teaching and learning. Shelby takes pride in teaching the visual arts. She exhibits a growth mindset, as she is always looking to improve lesson design and instruction. Ultimately, she consistently provides opportunities for students to enjoy and focus on the journey through the art-making process.”

Lorinda Rice, art curriculum specialist for Lincoln Public Schools, said the following about Rix:

“In addition to her own responsibilities as an art teacher, she works with other art teachers to fully integrate art in the planning and implementation of art-based inquiry and integration. She collaborates with others to find ways to support students’ entry into art-making as meaning making. Most importantly, she serves as a role model to students. Her continual enthusiasm, energy and care help to maintain a non-threatening atmosphere in which all students feel comfortable participating in art.”

Proposal

That the Lincoln Board of Education adopt the following resolution: 

WHEREAS, Shelby Rix has been named the 2021 Nebraska Middle School Art Educator of the Year; and

WHEREAS, Shelby Rix strives to the best art educator possible by constantly modifying lessons and experimenting with new strategies; and

WHEREAS, Shelby Rix challenges her students to reach their full potential as artists; and

WHEREAS, Shelby Rix serves as a role model to her students through her enthusiasm for art; and

WHEREAS, Shelby Rix works to create a non-threatening classroom environment in which all students feel comfortable participating in art; and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Lincoln Board of Education

does hereby congratulate Shelby Rix for being named the 2021 Nebraska Middle School Art Teacher of the Year.

Updated December 2, 2021