Liz Thomsen: Nebraska Art Teachers Association 2024 Middle School Art Educator of the Year Award
Background
The Nebraska Art Teachers Association named Liz Thomsen the 2024 Middle School Art Educator of the Year. The award honors educators who have made additional outstanding contributions in art education beyond the classroom, including school, district, community, state and/or national levels. Liz has taught art education for 13 years.
Explanation
Art educator Liz Thomsen was named the 2024 Middle School Art Educator of the Year by the Nebraska Art Teachers Association during their fall conference in October. Liz currently teaches at Lux Middle School, and prior to that with the Remote Learning Program during the pandemic and Yankee Hill Education Center.
Liz was nominated for not only the work she does in the classroom, but also for her efforts in sharing instructional ideas and best practices to her colleagues in Lincoln and across the state.
LPS Curriculum Specialist for Visual Art Lorinda Rice writes :
“During the pandemic, Liz was instrumental in helping students learn different processes and techniques about artists and historical context. She still continues that today in her Lux classroom, and what has happened is that it creates an opportunity for students to derive the learning with the guidance of the teacher.”
Proposal
That the Lincoln Board of Education adopt the following resolution:
WHEREAS, Liz Thomsen is an art educator at Lincoln Public Schools and was recently awarded 2024 Middle School Art Educator of the Year by the Nebraska Art Teachers Association; and
WHEREAS, Liz Thomsen helps students learn different processes and techniques through historical context; and
WHEREAS, Liz Thomsen is committed to developing students into curious learners and inspires creativity by empowering students and helping them be successful; and
WHEREAS, Liz Thomsen is valued, respected and admired among her colleagues, not only at Lincoln Public Schools, but also across the state of Nebraska;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Lincoln Board of Education does hereby congratulate Liz Thomsen for being honored by the Nebraska Art Teachers Association as the 2024 Middle School Art Educator of the Year.
Updated November 12, 2024
