Shannon Wedel, an elementary school art teacher for Great Bend Unified School District 428, has been named the 2023 Overall Outstanding Art Educator of the Year by the Kansas Art Education Association (KAEA).
KAEA presented the award at its fall conference on Oct. 7 at Emporia State University. This statewide professional organization is dedicated to the growth and development of art educators and the advancement of high-quality art education.
Wedel, a graduate of Emporia State University, has taught elementary art at Great Bend USD 428 for 28 years and has served as the K-12 department chair since 2005. She has served KAEA in numerous capacities and has presented at multiple KAEA fall conferences. Wedel was selected to present, “Archeology, Can You Dig It?” at the National Art Education Association’s Convention in New York City. In 2013, she was recognized as the Outstanding Elementary Art Educator of the Year.
Outstanding Art Educator of the Year awards recognize exemplary contributions, achievements and service within the state of Kansas. These include the following categories:
- Outstanding Elementary Art Educator
- Outstanding Middle-Level Art Educator
- Outstanding High School Art Educator
- Outstanding K-12 Art Educator
- Outstanding Art Educator- Higher Ed
- Outstanding Retired Art Educator
- Outstanding Art Educator- Administration/Supervision (does not have to be a KAEA member)
- Outstanding Art Educator- Museum Education
- Overall Outstanding Kansas Art Educator of the Year
“When you mix her passion for art with her commitment to student achievement, it is no surprise she thrives as an educator,” said Tricia Reiser, a former assistant superintendent at Great Bend USD 428.
Congratulations, Shannon!