Annual NSEA Delegate Assembly brings educators together for policy work and statewide recognition
LINCOLN – More than 210 teachers and education professionals from across Nebraska gathered this past weekend for the Nebraska State Education Association’s 165th Delegate Assembly, where they shaped priorities for the coming school year and recognized contributions to public education. The two-day event was held at the Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel in downtown Lincoln.
The Assembly included business sessions and elections, along with the presentation of several awards recognizing excellence in teaching, educational support, public service, leadership and community impact.
NSEA President Tim Royers said the awards highlight the dedication of educators and advocates across the state.
“We are proud to celebrate the outstanding educators and public education advocates recognized this year for their dedication, leadership and unwavering commitment to Nebraska’s students,” Royers said.
Award recipients included educators, leaders and organizations from across the state:
Children’s Fund Helping Hands Award
The Fremont Education Association and the Wisner-Pilger Education Association were recognized for their fundraising contributions to the NSEA Children’s Fund.
William Gallagher Jr. Award
The Elkhorn District received the 2026 award for enrolling the highest percentage of eligible members, with District President Lisa Hanson accepting the honor.
Early Career Educator Award
Alisha Taylor of the Lincoln Education Association, a special education teacher at Everett Elementary School, received the Early Career Educator Award.
NSEA Award for Teaching Excellence
Sheryl Norman of the Palmer Education Association, a fourth-grade teacher at Palmer Public School, received the Award for Teaching Excellence.
Great Plains Milestone Award
Dr. Amanda Morales of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln received the Great Plains Milestone Award for her work advancing human and civil rights in education.
Education Support Professional of the Year
Brian Jens Whitecalf of the Grand Island Education Association, a community liaison at Grand Island Senior High, received the Education Support Professional of the Year Award.
Administrator of Excellence Award
Belinda Westfall, principal of Prairie Lane Elementary School in Westside Public Schools, received the Administrator of Excellence Award.
Tom Black Public Relations Award
The Tom Black Public Relations Award was presented to Jennifer Hosking of the Omaha Education Association and Ben Welsch of the Hastings Education Association and Tri-Valley District.
Outstanding Media Award
Bigger Than the Score, hosted by Peter Ferguson on 93.7 The Ticket, received the Outstanding Media Award.
Friends of Education Award
Senators Margo Juarez, Machaela Cavanaugh and Ashlei Spivey were recognized for their support of public education through their service in the Nebraska Legislature.
The assembly also featured a video message from former state senator Lynne Walz, a candidate for governor of Nebraska, and a keynote address from Sarah Hardin, an educator at Mullen Public Schools and the 2026 Nebraska Teacher of the Year.
The Delegate Assembly is one of the association’s longest-running traditions in its 159-year history. NSEA was founded in October 1867 in Brownville.
