Moore teacher named state Art Educator of the Year

A teacher with Lincoln Public Schools has been named the Nebraska Art Educator of the Year.

The National Art Education Association honored Moore Middle School art teacher Jennifer Bockerman at the group’s national convention March 23 in Seattle.

Bockerman called the honor “monumental.”

“This recognition validates the work we are doing to facilitate student growth in self-exploration, collaboration, connection-making and cultural awareness,” she said. “Through the exploration of empathetic communication, problem-seeking and solving, and pattern-recognizing, visual art students are learning skills to prepare them for a global future.”

LPS Art Curriculum Specialist Lorinda Rice praised Bockerman for her work that led to this award.

“Jennifer projects authentic learning experiences on her students that allow for connection to critical life experiences and the meaning-making that happens when they research, create and reflect within the creative process,” Rice said.

Bockerman previously taught at Norwood Park Elementary School. In 2017, she was named to the Nebraska Department of Education’s STEM Fellows Academy. She was a team member on the Nebraska Fine Arts Standards team in 2015 and has collaborated with local museums for student access and programming. She also is an active visual artist herself, with numerous local, regional and national group and solo exhibitions.

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