Kathy Nimmer is a Finalist for National Teacher of the Year!

We announced just a few months ago that Guiding Eyes graduate Kathy Nimmer was named Indiana’s 2015 Teacher of the Year; Now we’re thrilled to share that Kathy is a finalist for the 2015 National Teacher of the Year!

“I am incredibly excited to honor Kathy Nimmer,” says Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz. “Through her career, Kathy has been an inspiration to both her students and fellow educators as she demonstrates how to overcome adversity every day. Inspired by educators that helped her overcome her own loss of sight, Kathy has dedicated her life to helping her students overcome their own difficulties.”

Some of Kathy’s many honors and awards:
• National Board Certified Teacher, 2003, 2013.
• Tippecanoe School Corporation Teacher of the Year, 2014.
• William Henry Harrison High School Teacher of the Year, 2013/14.
• TED Talk Presenter at TEDxPurdue, 2014.
• Lafayette Optimist Club Teacher Grant Winner, 2013.
• NBC “Student Success” Video Contest Winner, 2013.
• Ann DeCamp Creative Teaching Award, 2011.
• Alumni of the Year, Trinity Christian College, 2010.
• Durward K. McDaniels Ambassador Award, American Council for the Blind, 2009.
• Lilly Distinguished Fellow, 2009.
• Hellen Keller Foundation International Memoir Competition, First Place, 2006.
• Olympic Torch Bearer, 1996.

Congratulations Kathy – and best of luck!  

About the Indiana Teacher of the Year Program
The Indiana Teacher of the Year (INTOY) program began in 1957 and continues as the oldest, most prestigious state honors program that focuses public attention on excellence in teaching. The award recognizes and utilizes representatives of excellent teaching in the elementary and secondary classrooms of the state. Its mission is to build and utilize a network of exemplary teachers who are leaders in the improvement of schools, student performance and the teaching profession.