June Hinckley Award of Excellence in Art Education Awarded to FSU’s Debi Barrett-Hayes

FSUS Art Teacher Debi Barrett-Hayes (far right), along with Jennifer Gibson and and Dr. Gayle from Leon County Schools

The Florida State University (FSU) Department of Art Education would like to congratulate Debi Barrett-Hayes for receiving the June Hinckley Award of Excellence in Art Education for the year 2015 at the FAEA conference. The Florida Art Education Association’s rationale for presenting this award, along with other annual awards, is to recognize individuals within the membership who have achieved the highest level of professionalism in art education, and to show appreciation for individuals or organizations that have contributed their services in an exemplary way.

The June Hinckley Award relates to strong participation in the K-12 Student Art Assessment and Virtual Exhibition. Selection criteria is based on a 4-point rubric for K-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12. The award is in honor of the late and much loved June Hinckley. June was the former Arts Coordinator for the State of Florida’s Department of Education. She was also a past President of the National Music Educators’ Association.

Debi Barrett-Hayes’ distinguished career made her the most eligible candidate for the award. She is currently a professor of Art Education (K-12) at Florida State University. Debi is a member of the Florida Art Education Association and the National Art Education Association. She was inducted into the National Teacher Hall of Fame in June of 2000 and shared the stage with Oprah Winfrey. Debi enjoys teaching and working with students on discovering their creative nature, maximizing their personal talents, and finding their individual “visual voice”.