Debbie Argenta, K-4 arts education instructor at Jonas E. Salk Elementary School, was surprised Thursday during a staff meeting with a $500 check from California Casualty Field Marketing Manager Lorelei Seip. Ms. Argenta is one of 46 public educators receiving the prestigious California Casualty Award for Teaching Excellence.
Ms. Argenta was nominated for the award by her peers in the Indiana State Teachers Association, and she will represent the Hoosier State at the NEA Foundation's Salute to Excellence in Education Gala to be held in Washington, D.C. on February 8, 2019.
Ms. Argenta, who is also the Hoosier Educator of the Year, has initiated and led recognition programs to inspire students to pursue art education.
The California Casualty Awards for Teaching Excellence highlight educators from around the country cited by their peers for their dedication to the profession, community engagement, professional development, attention to diversity and advocacy for fellow educators.