Hill receives art education award
CHADRON – Chadron State College alum Carissa Hill received the Frances Thurber Pre-Service Student of the Year award at the 2024 Nebraska Art Teachers Association (NATA) Fall Conference on Oct. 11 in McCook, Nebraska. A May 2024 graduate, Hill teaches grades 6–12 at Southwest Public Schools in Bartley, Nebraska.
Hill was nominated for the award by her cooperating teacher, Millicent Butler of Hemingford Public Schools. She completed an extensive submission process, which included submitting her resume, portfolio, and an essay on her teaching philosophy. The Frances Thurber award is presented annually to a standout pre-service NATA member who has recently completed student teaching, demonstrating excellence in college-level art education.
Reflecting on the recognition, Hill shared her gratitude.
“I am deeply humbled to receive this award. It’s an honor to have my hard work recognized,” she said.
She credited mentors like her high school art teacher, Chelsea Zuege, her cooperating teachers, and her CSC Art professors, Trudy Denham, Mary Donahue, and Laura Bentz, for shaping her philosophy and approach to teaching.
Hill aims to inspire her students to value creativity as a life skill, underscoring its importance in problem-solving.
“My goal as an art educator is to provide experiences for students to express individuality,” she said. “I want them to know creativity will serve them in countless ways.”
Looking forward, Hill plans to grow the art department at Southwest Public Schools and eventually pursue a master’s degree in art education. She encourages future educators to build supportive networks, noting how essential her connections have been to her development as a teacher.
“Find mentors who will build you up and help guide your journey of teaching,” she said.
Category: Art, Campus News