A high school art teacher at Somerville High School in Somerset County, NJ. She has been teaching for 23 years and entered teaching specializing in graphic design. She received a BFA from Hartford Art School and an MS from Pratt Institute and was brought into the education profession through her husband who inspired her to teach. She has been involved with AENJ since 2007 where she started co-chairing alongside Susan Bivona as the Somerset County contacts for the Youth Art Month program. This sparked a passion in assisting with art education and shortly after she was involved on the AENJ Board as the Communications Chair. During her time with AENJ Lisa’s dedication and perseverance were recognized as the recipient of the AENJ Secondary Division Award in 2011 and later the Linda Lora Pugliese YAM Award in 2014. Lisa looks to create the passion that she has for art and pass that on to other young artists. Beyond the school day, she teaches within her own community at a local art studio. While at Somerville High School Lisa has developed new curricula, established a photography club, and now brought in a new chapter for the National Arts Honor Society. Lisa’s district sees her devotion and in 2011 awarded her with the honor of Teacher of the Year. In being a member of the AENJ, Lisa has helped her students pursue and achieve great achievements such as being highlighted on Classroom CloseUp, all stemming from, student artwork on display at the NJEA art exhibit, NJPAC student art

Acceptance Speech

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Quotes

What does receiving a New Jersey Governor’s Award in Arts Education mean to you?

This award means a lot to me. Arts education is such an essential tool for nurturing critical thinking and emotional intelligence.I wnattothankNJGAAE.

How has receiving this award influenced your artistic journey and future aspirations?

It’s inspired me to explore new mediums, collaborate more, and aim higher, fueling my desire to reach students in different educational approaches.

Can you share a specific experience in arts education that had a profound impact on your development as an artist?

It was in one of my first years, a student who saved her first drawing and then compared are final end result. The approval and spark in her eyes....

What advice would you give to young artists who are just beginning their journey in arts education?

Embrace curiosity, experiment without fear, and stay open to feedback. Focus on developing your unique voice,self-reflect, and—trust the process!
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The Governor’s Awards in Arts Education began in 1980 to promote awareness and appreciation of the arts, recognizing the creativity, talent and leadership of the award winners. Each year, awards are presented to approximately 20 educators and 80 students. National and statewide organizations select the students for their exemplary work in creative writing, speech, dance, music, theatre and visual arts and the leaders for their exceptional commitment and contribution to arts education. The program also recognizes arts educators and arts education advocates, whose leadership has helped nurture the development of students in the arts across the state.

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The Governor’s Awards event is a partnership of the Arts Ed NJ, the Department of Education, Art Pride New Jersey Foundation, the Department of State and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Additional support is provided by: the Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics; Art Educators of New Jersey; Art Administrators of New Jersey; Dance New Jersey; New Jersey Council of Teachers of English; New Jersey Speech and Debate League; New Jersey Music Educators Association; New Jersey Performing Arts Center; Writer's Theatre of New Jersey; Speech and Theatre Association of New Jersey; New Jersey Thespians and Young Audiences of New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania. The cooperating organizations, award sponsors and individual members of the planning council dedicate their time to make sure that excellence in the arts is rewarded, and work tirelessly throughout the year to plan this special event. The Governor's Awards in Arts Education ceremony are a major collaborative effort of the arts, education and state government.