Karen Donnelly, Art Teacher at Y.A.L.E. School’s Ellisburg campus, has been named the recipient of Art Educators of New Jersey’s (AENJ) Secondary Level Division Award.

This award was established to honor a member of the AENJ who is actively involved in teaching visual art education and whose teaching methodology and results are exceptional. Karen’s passion, dedication and contribution to the field of art education, and especially her efforts to develop the recent Tri-State Disability Art Show, made her the perfect choice for the award.

An artist specializing in pottery and glass-making, Karen has been involved with both the AENJ and National Art Education Association (NAEA) as a presenter and member for several years. She knows first-hand how art can serve as an outlet for individuals with disabilities to express themselves: As a little girl struggling with learning disabilities, art became both a passion and talent, and ultimately, the motivating factor to become an art educator.

“I’m continuously impressed with just how creative and awesome my students are,” she says. “They are so imaginative and always surprise me with their ideas. Their passion for art motivates me every day to provide the best educational and social experience possible. Luckily, I share that same drive with everyone at Y.A.L.E. School.”

To learn more about Y.A.L.E. School NJ and it’s programs, visit https://yaleschoolnj.com/.