Bacon Recognizes Art Educator for Women’s History Month

Washington - In honor of Women’s History Month, Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) will recognize Deborah Bowers Kippley for her years of dedicated public service in the state of Nebraska. As an arts educator, Bacon notes that Debbie’s leadership, skills, and initiatives have benefited the minds of Nebraska’s youth for decades.

Kippley graduated from Omaha Burke High School in 1974 where she participated in band, orchestra, and art. She continued her education, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in art education and elementary education from Hastings College. After college, she toured with a Christian Repertory Theater Company before being hired as an elementary art teacher for Omaha Public Schools. During her time with OPS, Debbie participated in several Nebraska art-based programs. After thirteen years with OPS, she went on to start the elementary art program at Papillion-La Vista Community Schools.

After obtaining her Master of Science from the University of Nebraska-Omaha, she earned her doctorates in Administration Curriculum and Instructions from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, concentrating on the variation of people’s ability to create mental images and the effect this has on learning.

“Debbie said that as someone who struggled with math, reading, and spelling during her elementary years, she believed her inability to create mental images at that age was the cause of her struggles,” said Bacon. “Her conclusion was to enhance the five senses by using art in learning in her elementary teachings to better help students learn.”

For the last nearly forty years, Debbie has consistently given back to the community. Just a few of her accolades include Elementary Educator of the Year, president-elect and president of the Nebraska Art Teachers Association, and the Nebraska Art Teachers Roscoe Shields Award for her continued service to art education. She also assisted with the writing and creation of hundreds of thousands of dollars in grant money for the arts.

As a now-retired educator, Debbie continues to promote the arts by her work with the Congressional Art Competition for the Nebraska Congressional Districts; founded in 1998, and still manages, the Papillion-La Vista Arts Network, providing a theater experience for elementary and middle school students; supervising art student teachers for the University of Nebraska-Omaha, and president of the Papillion Downtown Business Association.

“Debbie has always believed in the power of the arts to heal, encourage, and empower,” added Bacon. “This has been her mantra in all her years of educating young minds. I salute and thank Debbie for her impression upon the community, which will be felt for years to come.”

Bacon will read a speech recognizing Kippley, on the floor of the House in April, which will be recorded in the Congressional Record. She will be recognized with a copy of it at the Congressional Artr Competition presentation in May.

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