Chris Boedigheimer, a grade 6-12 art teacher at Nevis School, has been named Teacher of the Year by his peers. Boedigheimer has made significant contributions to the art department, including reintroducing a ceramics program and leading after-school art and game clubs.

Connecting with Students and Fostering Creativity

Boedigheimer’s teaching style is centered around his enthusiasm for the subject and his ability to connect with his students. He encourages their creativity and diverse interests, saying that one of his favorite parts of teaching is seeing what the kids come up with. He strives to incorporate a little bit of clay and ceramics into every grade level, bringing back a program that had been absent from Nevis School.

Experience and Background

Before joining Nevis School, Boedigheimer taught at Century School in Park Rapids for four years. He has a bachelor’s of fine arts in studio art, with an emphasis in ceramics, and a second BFA in art education. Boedigheimer still creates and sells his art when school is not in session.

Art and Game Clubs

Boedigheimer supervises the Nevis School art and game clubs during after-school hours. The art club is an opportunity for students to explore their own interests, while Boedigheimer acts as a guide and coach. The game club, which primarily focuses on Dungeons and Dragons, is a space where students can hang out and play games in a social setting.

Future Ambitions

Boedigheimer enjoys teaching at the high school level because students can engage in more ambitious projects and have in-depth discussions. He hopes to continue expanding the ceramics program and offer new opportunities for his students.

Overall, Boedigheimer’s enthusiasm, creativity, and dedication to his students have earned him the title of Nevis Teacher of the Year. His efforts to reintroduce the ceramics program, lead after-school clubs, and connect with his students have made a significant impact on the Nevis School community.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who is Chris Boedigheimer?

  Chris Boedigheimer is a grade 6-12 art teacher at Nevis School in Minnesota, who was voted as Nevis Teacher of the Year in 2021. He is known for his enthusiasm about the classes he teaches, his connection with students, and his efforts to introduce new opportunities in the art department, such as the ceramics program.

• What are some of the things Chris Boedigheimer has done at Nevis School?

  Chris Boedigheimer has introduced the ceramics program at Nevis School, and purchased a kiln and pottery wheels. He has also supervised the art and game clubs during after-school hours, and taken 14 of the students to the Minnesota State High School League festival.

• Where did Chris Boedigheimer grow up and study?

  Chris Boedigheimer grew up in southern Minnesota and graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead with a bachelor’s of fine arts (BFA) in studio art, with an emphasis in ceramics. He later went back to college for a second BFA in art education so he could teach art classes.

• What are the art and game clubs at Nevis School?

  The art club at Nevis School is an opportunity for students to explore their own interests a little further, with an average of 25 participants. Chris Boedigheimer acts as more of a coach and a guide, helping students along the way. The game club is a place where students meet primarily to play Dungeons and Dragons.