Julie Christofferson Honored with Utah Lifetime Achievement in Arts Education

Submitted by lana.hiskey on

Congratulations to Nebo’s Fine Arts Specialist, Julie Christofferson, for being honored with the Lifetime Achievement in Arts Education Award for 2020 by the Utah Sorenson Legacy Awards for Excellence in Arts Education.

In 2006, Julie “retired” from Jordan District after 30 years and began a rewarding 14 year tenure at Nebo School District supporting arts education as the K-12 Fine Arts Specialist. Nebo School District was looking for ways to provide arts for all children district wide. With much planning by committees and administration, the GAINS (Growing Arts in Nebo Schools) program was born.  

Nebo currently features nine experienced Beverly Taylor Sorenson instructional coaching specialists that assist district elementary classroom teachers integrate all curriculum using music, art, dance and drama. Hundreds of arts integrated and infused lessons are now being taught in Nebo elementary classrooms by their regular teachers. 

“Julie is simply magical in the way she promotes the arts and focuses on students first. As her parting gesture, she applied for an arts grant from the Nebo Education Foundation and secured $7,000 to fund instruments for students across the district that do not currently have instruments available. Julie is always looking for ways to instill the love of arts into every student in Nebo,” said Lana Hiskey, executive director of Nebo Education Foundation.

Julie said, “While being a member and observing Utah Music Education Association (UMEA) progress over a 44 year span, I’ve seen amazing organizational growth and learned much about being a music educator from mentors and peers. To have become a part of it and served in a wide variety of capacities, it has been artistically and professionally nourishing. Now is a unique time when collaboration is encouraged and facilitated in the education profession.  Teachers of all ages and experience levels can learn from and support each other as they serve the children of Utah in a most satisfying and culturally important way.  Opportunities abound through the music education profession.  Students need these opportunities and outlets. Every program is unique based on students, community and teacher.  We can learn much from each other as long as we don’t try to BE each other.  Embrace your unique programs and continually strive to help students in your care succeed and discover the beauty, comfort and power of music. I am truly humbled and honored to be recognized by this special group of peers!  So many of you have influenced me so positively!  Thank you especially to my dear husband Tim and children, Lisa and Matthew, who have been supportive and patient beyond measure for many years!”            

Most recently, Julie was inducted into the Utah Music Education Association (UMEA) Hall of Fame. After 44 years of education, Julie Christofferson is retiring for good. Nebo will truly miss Julie’s ambition for the fine arts. We wish you the best on your next adventure!

#DiscoverPowerWithin #NeboHero #NeboSchoolDistrict #StudentSuccess #EmpowerStudents #EngageStudents #FocusOnStudents #LoveUTpublicSchools #UtPol #UtEd #ThankATeacher #LoveTeaching #covid19 #utschooldismissal2020 #staywellnebo

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By Lana Hiskey
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