SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. (May 4, 2023) – Western Nebraska Community College math instructor Amy Winters earned the Nebraska State Education Association's 2023 Teaching Excellence Award.

Winters was presented the award at the annual NSEA Delegate Assembly last week.

"Amy is devoted to student success both in and out of the classroom," Jenni Benson, NSEA president said. "She has a deep desire to stay and grow as a life-long learner, and it undoubtedly shows with the time and dedication she puts forth for student success."

Winters also serves as the math and science division chair at WNCC, Phi Theta Kappa advisor, and a faculty representative for the Board of Governors. She is the first teacher in post-secondary education to win the Teaching Excellence Award from the NSEA.

"I am honored to receive this award," Winters said. "I love teaching and my passion is helping students. To the people who encouraged me and supported me over the years—thank you for inspiring me to go after my dreams. I would not be where I am today without you."

Winters first joined WNCC in 2004 as an assistant volleyball coach. She became a full-time math instructor in 2011 after completing a master's degree in math education.

Winters was a key contributor in implementing the Nebraska Math Readiness Project at WNCC, which fosters developmental math courses for high school seniors to improve their math skills before entering a college-level math course.

As an advisor for PTK, Winters has seen the honors program at WNCC grow on campus and become more visible in the community with the "We Ncourage Cougar Connections" project which helps students and community members become familiar with available services including career, financial, and mental health resources.