Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1297492
A third grade teacher at Pioneer Park Elementary School in Cheyenne, Amen, is one of 46 public school educators who will receive the prestigious California Casualty Award for Teaching Excellence at the NEA Foundation's Salute to Excellence in Education Gala next February. The California Casualty Awards for Teaching Excellence awardees are nominated for their dedication to the profession, community engagement, professional development, attention to diversity, and advocacy for fellow educators. "I am honored to receive this award. There are many amazing educators who are very deserving of this award, and I am humbled to be counted among them," Amen told WEA News. "Kim is an obvious choice to win this award because of her dedication and excellence in teaching," said WEA President Grady Hutcherson. "She embraces and shares a commitment to diversity and a global perspective with the students in her classroom. She is a passionate educator, and her advocacy for the profession is longstanding and commendable." Of the 46 state awardees nominated by their National Education Association state affiliate, five finalists will be announced this fall and will receive a $10,000 award. The educators selected for the top award will be revealed at the gala and will receive $25,000. Because of COVID-19, the gala will be held virtually this year and live-streamed on Friday, February 12, 2021 at neafoundation.org. Submit your story to Ignite Wyoming and you or your colleagues could be featured in a media campaign supporting public education. WEA Vice President Kim Amen awarded the 2021 California Casualty Award forTeaching Excellence! You make Wyoming public education strong. Learn more about Ignite Wyoming and submit your story at Honor outstanding educators, you know. ignitewy.org Ignite Wyoming is a public education support campaign designed to raise awareness and appreciation for the good work that goes on in Wyoming public schools. "Ignite Wyoming" is a public education support campaign based on two defining principles: First, today's students are Wyoming's greatest natural resource. They represent the promise of the future of our state. Secondly, Wyoming's Constitution makes a promise to our students of a world-class education. The campaign aims to create a groundswell of public support for K-12 education, allowing Wyoming school districts to focus on improving education and lifting student achievement and increasing graduation rates. 22