Art Educators of Minnesota annually recognizes members who have made significant contributions to AEM/NAEA, the state of Minnesota, and their school or organization. Award recipients have demonstrated dedication, achievement and professionalism in the art education field. The awards are a source of pride for those who receive them as well as for their friends, family, colleagues and community. The awards program also serves to promote all who make a positive impact on art education throughout the state.

Congratulations to the 2010 AEM award winners!

AEM Art Educator of the Year: JoAnne Kirkman

Elementary Art Educator of the Year: Janine Bunkowski
Middle Level Art Educator of the Year: Lynn Callahan
Secondary Art Educator of the Year: Maureen Gunderson

Distinguished Service Outside the Profession: Nancy Chave


Award nominations may be made by AEM members only. The award program is coordinated by the Past-President of AEM, and the selection committee is composed of former AEM award winners.. AEM's award program is modeled after the National Art Education Association (NAEA) award program. AEM award recipients may be considered for NAEA National and Western Region awards.
The nomination form can be downloaded below.
Contact the AEM Past President for more information about nominating a colleague and the award process. The deadline for 2010 award nominations is April 1, 2010.

Award categories for AEM members:

• Minnesota Art Educator of the Year: This award winner is selected from nominations from the division nominees.
• Elementary Division Art Educator of the Year
• Middle Level Division Art Educator of the Year
• Secondary Art Educator of the Year
• Museum Educator of the Year
• Supervision/Administrator Art Educator
• Minnesota Retired Art Educator: Awarded to an AEM member who has been retired for at least three years and has made contributions to art education before and during retirement.
• Distinguished Service Within the Profession: Awarded to an AEM
member who, over many years, has made outstanding and significant contributions to AEM/NAEA and to the state and/or nation.

Awards that do not require AEM membership:
• Distinguished Service Outside the Profession: Awarded to a person or organization outside the field of art education that has made outstanding contributions to AEM and/or art education in the state or national level.

• Spotlight Award: This award is given to an outstanding senior high school student who plans on pursuing a career in the art education field.