NORWICH – Having earned the distinguished title of the National Art Education Association’s 2015 “New York State Art Educator of the Year,” Norwich City School art teacher Kathy Pfeifer recently represented the district on a national stage.

With support and monetary assistance form the Norwich School Board, Pfeifer attended the three-day NAEA annual conference in New Orleans in March, where she received the honorable recognition. The prestigious award, determined through a peer review of nominations, honors an outstanding member from each state whose service and contribution to art education merits recognition and acclaim, according to NAEA.

In a statement, Dennis Inhulsen, NAEA President, noted that Pfeifer’s originality and commitment to the field “exemplifies the highly qualified art educators active in education today: leaders, teachers, students, scholars, and advocates who give their best to their students and the profession.”

To be nominated, Pfeifer was required to meet criteria established by NAEA. Candidates must have NAEA membership, along with 15 years of experience in the field and a philosophy that reflects professional practice. Moreover, they must demonstrate leadership at the local or state level, advocate for art education, and have implemented a successful art education program.

More than 4,500 art teachers from all 50 states and 27 countries attended the NAEA conference last month. And while it’s an honor to be recognized by other professionals, said Pfeifer, the real benefit comes from what she learned by attending workshops and networking with her colleagues from all over the country.