The Teaching & Learning Center of Kansas State University named Beach Museum Specialist Nate McClendon as the Highlighted Teacher.
Having taught in the public schools for over twenty years, his role now involves engaging both KSU students and the Manhattan community. Using art as a catalyst for engaging critical thinking and communication skills, he works with professors to provide unique and broad perspectives to their classes. Also a musician, Nate created the YouTube video series “Hear What I’m Seeing?” and the presentation “Gordon Parks: Self Portrait” which provide new ways of experiencing the museum’s collection. Whether teaching, performing, or presenting, Nate is about personal connection. “Like most things, education is about human interaction. While one can learn in isolation, true inspiration, understanding, and application is communal.” In keeping with this philosophy, he believes our most valuable assets as educators is not our knowledge but our talents, abilities, and experiences. This is how our knowledge is embodied, making teaching, and learning personal.
Click here to view a video of Nate discussing his teaching philosophy.