Sandra Ómarsdóttir, performing arts teacher at Seljaskóli, nominated for the Icelandic Education Awards!

We are incredibly proud and excited to announce that Sandra Ómarsdóttir, our wonderful performing arts teacher at Seljaskóli, has been nominated for the Icelandic Education Awards in the "Exemplary teacher" category!
 

The Icelandic Education Awards are presented every November at a ceremony at Bessastaðir. The award for this category honors a teacher who has excelled and driven educational improvement through their work. Here at Seljaskóli, we know exactly why Sandra earned this nomination!

Sandra has built an exceptionally strong, vibrant, and ambitious performing arts program here at Seljaskóli. All our students take performing arts, dance, and drama classes with her. Every year, entire grades participate in large, impressive productions where every student gets a role and a chance to contribute.
 

In recent years, our students have staged productions like Annie, Glymskrattinn: A Journey Through Music History, Pippi Longstocking, Ronja the Robber's Daughter, Mamma Mia!, The Blue Planet, The Lion King, and Grease. Students participate in many different ways—as actors, singers, dancers, technical crew, and contributors to the entire creative process behind putting on a major production.
 

Still, one of Sandra's greatest strengths is her ability to connect with children. She engages students of all ages, abilities, languages, and backgrounds, creating a space where diverse strengths can shine. Students who might not find their place in traditional academic subjects get the chance to discover their talents, build confidence, and experience the priceless feeling that their contributions matter. 

Sandra's dedication also extends far beyond the classroom. She pours immense effort into these productions: sewing costumes, sourcing and making props, building sets, and managing countless details. At the same time, she has a rare knack for getting teachers and other staff on board, turning these projects into a shared creation for the entire school community.
 

This work has had an enormously positive effect on the culture at Seljaskóli. The productions build solidarity, joy, and pride while strengthening our students' teamwork, responsibility, courage, expression, and social skills. They have become an integral and highly valuable part of our school operations.

Sandra is imaginative, organized, selfless, and endlessly creative. She approaches her projects with passion and joy. She sets high expectations but treats her students with warmth and respect. Through her work, she proves every day how powerful the arts can be for learning, inclusion, and school development.
 

Congratulations our dear Sandra!