News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Upperman Middle School Art Teacher Janice Nunnally has been named Tennessee Art Educator of the Year by the Tennessee Art Education Association.
Nunnally said this year, she has been incorporating lessons of social justice in her classes. At the same time, she continues volunteer work with the association. The combination of the two led to the distinction.
“I’ve been working with the TAEA since I started teaching, well actually when I was student teaching with Tennessee Tech,” Nunnally said. “And, I’ve just been volunteering and working with the organization. But, it was just an honor to be singled out for accomplishments I have done over the years.”
The recognition continues with Nunnally being elected as an official for the National Art Education Association. Nunnally said as a Middle Level Director, she will focus on visual art education for sixth, seventh and eighth graders.
“We plan different sessions at the conference,” Nunnally said. “We get the awards together for the national awards for middle level. We support middle level through out the year and anything we can do with that. Mainly during the conference will be the big thing, but I will be a part of the board and looking at different decisions for our organization, also.”
Nunnally has taught art classes for the Putnam County School System for 15 years. Nunnally said teaching her passion is all about giving students an way to express themselves.
“It’s about learning the process, breaking it down and having an avenue for communication,” Nunnally said. “Art is all about communicating, so it is just exposing the students to all that art can do for you.”
The Tennessee Art Education Association recognizes outstanding art educators from across the state, in a variety of categories. Nunnally will join the Board of Directors at the conclusion of the NAEA Board of Directors meeting in 2023 in San Antonio, TX.
