FORT WORTH, TX.- The National Art Education Association has named Sara Klein, teacher and school programs manager at the Amon Carter Museum of American Art, to receive the 2015 Western Region Museum Art Educator of the Year Award. This prestigious award, determined through a peer review of nominations, recognizes the exemplary contributions, service and achievements of an outstanding NAEA member annually at the regional level within their division. The award will be presented at the NAEA National Convention in New Orleans, March 26–28, 2015.

“This award is being given to recognize excellence in professional accomplishment and service by a dedicated art educator,” says NAEA President Dennis Inhulsen. “Sara Klein 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.”

Klein joined the Amon Carter in 2009; she develops and implements a broad range of programs designed to assist educators and students of all grade levels and disciplines to explore and understand the museum’s collections and special exhibitions.

“Sara is passionate about connecting students and educators with the Amon Carter’s collection and special exhibitions, and works tirelessly to create opportunities for these connections that leaves all involved positively impacted,” says Stacy Fuller, director of public engagement at the Amon Carter. “Whether a 3-year-old experiences the wonder of the museum’s architectural spaces for the first time or a veteran teacher sees a favorite painting from a new perspective, Sara’s thoughtful attention to program creation, implementation and evaluation ensures each student and educator who enters the museum can have a transformative experience.”

NAEA is the professional association for art educators. Members include elementary, secondary, middle level and high school art teachers; university and college professors; education directors who oversee education in our nation’s fine art museums; administrators and supervisors who oversee art education in school districts, state departments of education and arts councils; and teaching artists throughout the United States and other countries.