Business instructor Sarah Schau was nominated for the 2015 Nebraska Teacher of the Year Award. Schau, along with three others, were nominated, and although Schau didn’t win the award, she won a different award: the Award of Excellence.

The Nebraska Award of Excellence identifies the contributions a teacher brings to the classroom. The candidates need to be skilled, dedicated and have the respect of parents, colleagues and students. They must also play an active role in the community and in school.

This is the first time that Schau has ever been nominated for an award like teacher of the year, and this is the first time that she has won the Award of Excellence.

“It’s kind of a blessing that I didn’t win [teacher of the year] because I wouldn’t have been able to go to National DECA, and that’s my passion,” Schau said. “I feel very proud that I got nominated, but I would’ve missed a ton of school and I wouldn’t want that.”

Any teacher can apply for this award, but in order for a teacher to apply, they must be recommended by the administration.

Schau hopes to keep up her hard work and teaching success and hopes she can continue to make a difference in the classroom.

“I’m passionate about my job,” Schau said. “I love my job and I love being a teacher.”