Nebraska History Teacher of the Year Recognition

Katherine Steinkamp, the Nebraska History Teacher of the Year, was honored by Nebraska State Board of Education members at the February meeting.

Steinkamp, a Social Sciences teacher at Norfolk High School in Norfolk, Nebraska was named the 2020 State History Teacher of the Year, an award sponsored by The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.

The History Teacher of the Year Award highlights the crucial importance of history education by honoring exceptional American history teachers from elementary school through high school. The award honors one exceptional K-12 teacher from each state, the District of Columbia, Department of Defense schools, and U.S. territories.

Steinkamp received a $1,000 award and Norfolk High School became a Gilder Lehrman Affiliate School, receiving history books and educational materials from the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.

Career and Technical Education Month Recognition

February has been designated Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month to be celebrated by the Nebraska Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) which represent more than 24,000 students in the state.

Staff presented to the board about the importance of CTE in schools. Student leaders from several CTSOs also joined remotely to tell the board how CTE has helped develop their skills and how they plan to use the lessons they’ve learned for postsecondary education and the workforce.

CTE Month Recognition

Accountability and School Improvement Update

NDE staff shared an overview of the Nebraska Framework for School Renewal and Acceleration and updates on AQuESTT to the board. Staff members talked about NDE’s plan to help schools recover unfinished learning due to the pandemic to make sure students are catching back up and pushing forward in their education. The board was also updated on school accountability and supports for schools that have the highest needs.

2021 Board Positions on Proposed State Legislation

The board discussed new bills involving education proposed in the Nebraska Legislature this year. The board is recommending support of 16 bills and did not recommend opposition to any bills. There are several bills the legislative committee suggested monitoring further.

State Board Positions on Bills

State Board of Education Legislative Priorities