Springfield High School German Teacher Nicole Sage recently received the Distinguished Educator in Art Education award from the Ohio Art Education Association (OAEA).
The OAEA recognizes teachers who are not art teachers, but who make a dedicated effort to incorporate and celebrate art in their curriculum.
Referred to as ‘Frau Sage’ by her students, Mrs. Sage has been teaching high school German for 25 years. Some of her ingenious lessons over the years have included students writing and illustrating children’s books in German, creating a Holocaust remembrance quilt, painting national flag murals in the SHS hallways and recreating German, Austrian and Swiss architecture.
“Niki’s honest and genuine approach to life, as well as her profound conviction that art and culture are indefinitely intertwined allows her students to not only experience an amazing educator, but also an incredible spirit,” said SHS Lead Principal Lisa Cunningham.
In addition to her role as a teacher, Mrs. Sage has also served in several student club advisory positions including National Honor Society advisor, in which she continually seeks opportunities to teach her students about the importance of serving others.
Mrs. Sage was also presented with the 25 Year Service Award by the Springfield City School District on Nov. 16 to honor her dedication to the students of Springfield.