Powell music teacher John Fabela was one of 45 public school educators recently recognized for teaching excellence by the NEA Foundation.

Fabela, who teaches instrumental music at Powell High School and Powell Middle School, received the  prestigious California Casualty Award for Teaching Excellence at the NEA Foundation’s Salute to Excellence in Education Gala. Fabela was recognized at a February gala in Washington, D.C.

Awardees are nominated by their peers for their dedication to the profession, community engagement, professional development, attention to diversity and advocacy for fellow educators.

“It is extremely humbling to be recognized by my colleagues and to be the 2020 Wyoming recipient of the NEA Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence,” Fabela said.

Fabela said he has met “so many outstanding educators in the state of Wyoming,” and he’s honored to have represented all of them in Washington, D.C.

“This is my 33rd year as a music educator and I feel like there is so much more I have to learn and accomplish,” he said.

Fabela also serves as the Wyoming Education Association (WEA) Northwest Region president.

“We are proud that John [Fabela] has been honored amongst these exceptional educators from across the country,” said WEA President Kathy Vetter. “John’s work with students exemplifies educators’ ability to be a positive force in their students’ lives.”

The 2020 awardees “are fulfilling the promise of public education in classrooms, schools, and communities from coast to coast,” said Sara A. Sneed, president and CEO of the NEA Foundation.

“Each awardee has met a very high standard, and together, they are celebrated for a shared commitment to educational excellence, innovative approaches to student learning, and support for their peers,” Sneed said.

The NEA Foundation and the National Education Association jointly present the awards.