Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/656569
Spring 2016 | wyoea.org 9 WEA member Dirk Andrews, who teaches at Evansville Elementary in Evansville, WY, received the Horace Mann Award for Teaching Excellence, $10,000, and recognition as one of the nation's top educators. The gala was held in February, where more than 800 leaders in public education were present. "It was an honor to represent the great state of Wyoming at the Awards for Teaching Excellence Gala in Washington, D.C. I did not pursue teaching to be recognized for my talents; watching students succeed and knowing I had a part in that has always been my reward. However, after attending the gala, I wish every teacher had the opportunity to be recognized the way I was by the NEA Foundation. I honestly felt like a celebrity! We all do great things every day, and it is amazing to be acknowledged for our talents. Thank you again for this amazing experience," Andrews said. Past Student Wyoming Education Association (SWEA) officer and current WEA member, Kami Cooley, visited current SWEA members and talked to them about classroom management, as well as some fun ways to use technology to make their lives as beginning teachers easier. WEA member and Casper teacher Josh Thompson brought his students to the Jonah Business Center for a day to talk to legislators and have lunch. The Business Center is serving as the "faux" Capitol and houses the legislative session while the Capitol undergoes renovations. This is the second year Josh has brought students to the legislative session, and he has asked them to be involved in certain bills that appeal to them. WEA Government Relations Director Ken Decaria held a brief Q&A with the students, before touring the groups around the Jonah Business Center. Schneider Recognized During Border War WEA member Zach Schneider was recognized as the Educator of the Year, during the University of Wyoming men's basketball game versus Colorado State University on January 30 th . Due to Zach's commitments as the Chapter Director of Wyoming Thespians, he was attending a board meeting for the Wyoming Educators of Secondary Theatre, and was unable to be at the game in person to be recognized. "I truly appreciate the honor of this award. Teachers, especially those of us trying to expand and keep arts a viable academic program, work hard for little public recognition. I am humbled and honored by receiving it," Schnieder said. This was the first time in WEA history we teamed up with UW sports fans to have them nominate an Educator of the Year, and we hope the tradition continues! Harriet Sanford, WEA Member Dirk Andrews, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of California Casualty Beau Brown and NEA President Lily Eskelsen Garcia.