University of Saint Francis senior Naomi Vanderleest was named Outstanding Student Teacher by the Art Education Association of Indiana (AEAI) during the organization’s recent virtual conference.
“I am so grateful to be given so many opportunities at the University of Saint Francis that have helped me grow into the art educator that I am today,” Vanderleest said. “With all of the support that I have been given, I can say with confidence that I am ready to be an art teacher and start to share my experiences with my own students to foster their creative spirit.”
Vanderleest, an art education major, is the second consecutive USF student to earn the award as Emily Napier was the honoree in 2019. Vanderleest was nominated by USF Art Education Program Director Dr. Katherine Danko-McGhee.
“I want to thank Kathy Danko-McGhee for challenging me to become a student-centered art educator and I also want to thank Jody Nix, who first started my art education journey and pushed me to achieve in the classroom,” Vanderleest said. “Without their support, I would not be getting this award. Thank you to AEAI for giving me this recognition and I am so excited to be part of this community for the rest of my career.”
Danko-McGhee said Vanderleest is highly respected by peers and faculty.
“She is dedicated to the profession and is always well prepared. Naomi’s future students will be very lucky to have her as their art teacher,” Danko-McGhee said.
Vanderleest serves as president of the USF Artists in Action club.
“This has shown me the power of the arts as a social event,” Vanderleest said. “I originally thought of art as being personal, but now I see it as communal. I no longer just make art for myself but for others to share my outlook.”
Pursuing a career as a teacher will further allow Vanderleest to impact others.
“I knew I wanted a career in art, but didn’t know what or how,” she said. “At USF, I found the Art Education program and it’s perfect. It lets me share my love of art with others.”