Ames Middle School art teacher receives art educator award

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Ames middle school art teacher receives art educator award

contributions, service and achievements of an outstanding NAEA member annually at the regional level associated with their division. The award was presented at the NAEA National Convention, which was held in Minneapolis from March 26-28.

There is much to do in art education, according to Dobyns, who is advocating for art classes at the Ames Middle School to become a 90-day elective class for students, she said.

“While ensuring all (students) take art is a noble cause, with today’s learner, I wonder at what cost,” Dobyns said. “Many are not enjoying their art experience, teachers are exhausted and devalued, and our students wanting talent development are overlooked.”

During her time as an art teacher in Iowa, she’s worked collaboratively to create a statewide art competition that aligns with the National Core Arts Standards, called “Emerging Excellence.” The competition allows students to showcase their artwork and then meet one-on-one for a jurying process, where they receive feedback on their strengths and areas of growth.

“My work, just like many, is to champion the needs of these students,” Dobyns said.

Ames Middle School art teacher Cappie Dobyns has been named the 2020 Western Region Middle-Level Art Educator Award winner for The National Art Education Association. Contributed photo

By Kiley Wellendorf Gannett

Ames Middle School art teacher Cappie Dobyns has been named the 2020 Western Region Middle-Level Art Educator Award winner for The National Art Education Association (NAEA). This is the second time Dobyns has earned the NAEA Western Region Middle School Art Educator award, as she first received it while teaching in Texas.

Dobyns has been with the school district for 17 years and teaches art and the extended learning program (ELP) at the middle school.

“It’s true that when someone gets an award more opportunities open up,” Dobyns said. “If your mission is to do as much as possible for these kids who deserve quality art education, if you feel like it’s important to advocate for families of our visual artists and to help our community — the award brings opportunity and awareness.”

“The award is for allowing greater growth,” Dobyns said.

The award, which is determined through peer nominations, recognizes recipients who exemplify

“If your mission is to do as much as possible for these kids who deserve quality art education, if you feel like it’s important to advocate for families of our visual artists and to help our community — the award brings opportunity and awareness.”