The Nebraska Art Teachers Association (NATA) is thrilled to announce that Kameran Dostal has been selected as the recipient of the prestigious 2023 NATA Elementary Art Educator of the Year award. This honor is bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated outstanding dedication and contributions to the field of art education.
“I feel completely overjoyed to accept this award. It is my supreme honor that I get to teach art to the students at Emerson and Meadowlark Elementary Schools. My goal throughout every lesson and every piece of our curriculum is to help students explore the joy in creative expression. I believe that art is foundational to the successful development of our students,” said Dostal.
Dostal expressed that as an art teacher, being a part of her students’ young lives allows her to introduce students to many different types of artistic media. As students experiment and explore, they often find valuable lessons within their work. Students see that art allows them to express themselves in authentic ways, to empathize with stories and experiences of others, and to persevere through failure. “Seeing the excitement in my students’ faces, learning from them, hearing their unique ideas: these are just a few of the moments that make my job the most rewarding job ever,’ said Dostal. “I owe this award to many people who poured into my artistic (and often overly outgoing) spirit throughout my life: My husband, my parents, my family, my friends, my high school art teacher, many UNK professors, many KPS administrators and colleagues, as well as many incredible artists and art educators across our state. Of course, I have my students to thank as well. They make coming to school a creative adventure every day.”
NATA is a prominent professional organization committed to advocating for and advancing high-quality art education throughout the state of Nebraska. Every year, NATA recognizes educators who have shown exceptional commitment to promoting artistic learning, exhibited leadership in shaping curriculum development within local school districts and communities, and participated actively in professional initiatives at both state and national levels. Kameran’s steadfast commitment to these ideals is evident through the compelling materials submitted in support of her nomination.
Working at Meadowlark Elementary since August 2021, Mrs. Dostal’s impact has been transformative. “Kameran is more than an exceptional art instructor. She consistently goes the extra mile and makes impactful relationships with not only her students but all of her colleagues” acclaimed Meadowlark Principal Mark Stute.
Meanwhile, at Emerson Elementary, Mrs. Dostal has been a beacon in the realm of art education for the past 3 years. “Having such a remarkably skilled art educator like Kameran at Emerson is a point of pride. Art plays a pivotal role in nurturing our students…” lauded Meredith Johnson, Principal of Emerson Elementary.
The award will be formally presented at the 2023 NATA Fall Conference Awards Ceremony, scheduled for Friday, October 13, at the Innovation Campus on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Campus. The awards presentation will commence at approximately 7:00 p.m.
“It is with profound honor that we acknowledge Kameran as a respected colleague, recognizing her steadfast dedication, tireless service, and esteemed status as a Nebraska Elementary Art Educator of the Year,” affirmed Stute and Johnson.
