North Star FCS teacher named one of nation’s best

A family and consumer sciences teacher at Lincoln North Star High School has been honored as one of the nation’s best.

The American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) named Camelle Kinney one of two 2018 Teacher of the Year Merit Finalists. Kinney, along with the other merit finalist and the teacher of the year winner, will receive her award June 25 at the AAFCS national conference in Atlanta.

“I am so proud to be an FCS teacher at North Star High School,” Kinney said. “I get the chance to work with some amazing students who make teaching fun, interesting and a learning experience for all.”

Kinney has taught for 22 years, the last 15 at North Star. In the award announcement, AAFCS cited her innovative work with an advanced culinary course at North Star: “Cutting-edge technology is used throughout Kinney’s culinary class. She creates hyperdocuments with links to videos, in-class demonstrations, articles and other online materials to allow students to learn and relearn at their own pace. Kinney also teaches students how to use the Google software to prepare spreadsheets, forms, and letters, and each student creates a digital chef journal. The impact of Kinney’s class goes beyond students learning how to run a restaurant. Students form connections with businesses and organizations in the community, discover related career paths, and are better prepared to work in the real world.”

Lincoln Public Schools Curriculum Specialist for Career and Technical Education Cynthia Baum said Kinney is not only a teacher but a “respected leader in FCS education.”

“She brings out the best in people that maximizes learning situations and sustains the energy to learn more.”

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