Janet Lear
lecturer, Department of Economics, 308.865.8482
UNK- For the third consecutive year, Dr. Janet Lear, University of Nebraska at Kearney economics professor, has won the BEST (Belong, Excel, Study and Travel) Award from the Nebraska Department of Education.
The BEST awards were presented by the Nebraska Department of Education at the Nebraska Career Education Conference held recently in Kearney. This was the 20th annual celebration for the organization, and 50 individuals were recognized.
Awards were presented to individuals whose activities influenced business and marketing education in Nebraska during the past year through their involvement in professional associations, community and school activities, professional/leadership development, and/or service to the business education profession.
“It is one small way that the Nebraska Department of Education can honor each of you for your professionalism and dedication as a business or marketing teacher,” said Bonnie Sibert, business teacher for the Nebraska Department of Education, in making the award.
“For me, this award recognizes the dedication to professionalism and professional development that should be the goal of every business teacher educator,” Dr. Lear said. “I am a true lifelong learner and really hope to instill this quality in students with whom I work.”
Dr. Lear has received numerous recognitions for her work as an educator. In 2009, she was inducted into the Academy for Teacher Education Excellence at UNK. She was honored as Nebraska Phi Beta Lambda adviser of the year in 2006. In 2009 Dr. Lear helped design a new business teacher education program for the State Department of Education. She has served as a judge for New Venture Adventure Day and the SIFE organization each year since 2007. Dr. Lear has received research grants totaling more than $5,000 for classroom curriculum materials.
