LPS Human Resources

Helen Cooper is receiving state-level recognition for her work inspiring hundreds of Spartans as Lincoln East High School's theater director! The Nebraska Thespians organization honored her with the Nebraska Theater Teacher of the Year Award. The award highlights teachers who have gone above and beyond in helping students build their confidence and self-esteem on stage. Congratulations, Helen! 🎭🏆

Learn how East students have benefited from her award-winning mentorship in this story: https://www.lps.org/post/detail.cfm?id=16132

STAFF SPOTLIGHT 🌟 Meet Nicole Shively, music teacher at Lincoln East High School. As a student, Nicole found a home in music at East. Now, she helps create those same opportunities and experiences for the next generation of Spartans. Read more in Nicole’s Q&A below.

“She's always there for her students and cares about what she does. She's a wonderful person to communicate with. We appreciate the amount of work she does for the band and just in general to better the community at East.” - Lenora, Lincoln East High School student.

In a few sentences, briefly describe your role at LPS.
I am a music teacher at East High School, where I teach Band, Music Technology and Guitar I & II. As the assistant band director, I teach marching and concert band in addition to leading several extracurricular ensembles. I am also the music department chair and the sponsor for East's Tri-M Music Honor Society chapter.

How long have you worked for LPS?
I just finished my eighth year teaching in LPS.

What inspired you to become part of the education field at LPS?
I always knew that I wanted to help people with my career, and I thought that becoming a music teacher would use my strengths in a way that I could really make a difference!

What has been your favorite part of working here? What aspect of your job do you find most rewarding?
My favorite parts of working at East are the relationships I have built and the growth I have helped foster. One of the best parts of teaching high school music is that you get to see students through all four years of high school. It is incredible to see them learn and develop from incoming freshmen to young adults ready to take on the world. I am also blessed to work with the best team of coworkers at East, who I learn from and laugh with every day!

In one word, what makes you proud to work for LPS?
Care.

Did you attend LPS as a student? If so, which school(s)? If not, where are you from?
I am a proud product of Lincoln Public Schools! I went to Morley Elementary School, Lux Middle School and East High School.

What path did you take after completing your formal education?
After graduating from East High School, I attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and earned my Bachelor of Music Education degree. I was very involved at UNL with the Cornhusker Marching Band, Phi Mu, Nebraska Human Resources Institute (NHRI) and the Honors Program. After graduation, I was hired to teach at East, and I have been there ever since!

What do you enjoy most about the Lincoln community?
Lincoln has been my home for my entire life. I love that there are so many opportunities, but it still feels like a big small town. I also love how Lincoln is an entertainment hub for Nebraska with Husker sports, Pinnacle Bank Arena and the Lied Center!

What is your favorite childhood book or a book that has influenced your life positively?
My favorite book series growing up was “The Boxcar Children.” I probably read every single one of those books! I loved trying to solve the mysteries alongside the characters.

Share a shout out to a former teacher who impacted your life.
I could shout out so many wonderful former teachers, but I will recognize one who continues to impact me every day. Mr. Thorpe was my band director in high school, and he has now been my mentor and colleague for the past eight years at East. He is one of the greatest educators and human beings that I know. As his student, Mr. Thorpe created opportunities for me to grow and a supportive culture for me to find a home in music. As a teacher and colleague, he trusted me to help lead our band program and has helped me become the teacher that I am today.

https://lps.org/post/detail.cfm?id=16128

A well-deserved statewide honor for a dedicated leader. Schoo Middle School Principal Allysa Diehl has been named the 2025-26 Outstanding New Principal of the Year by the Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals.

Read more about her impact on students, staff and the Schoo community ⬇️

Diehl Earns Statewide Outstanding New Principal of the Year Honor Schoo Middle School Principal Allysa Diehl was named the 2025-26 Outstanding New Principal of the Year by the Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals. Diehl has spent more than 15 years serving the Schoo community in a variety of leadership roles.

Looking for a rewarding career with great benefits? Join us at LPS Interview Days on June 16 or July 14! We're hiring paraeducators, nutrition services staff, bus drivers and custodians. Learn more and apply before attending: lps.org/hr/fair

LPS Interview Fair Interview Days June 16 and July 14, 2026Hiring for Para, Custodial, Transportation and Nutrition Positions Submit Your Interview Day Application to Begin How to Apply Work With Us We invite you to …

STAFF SPOTLIGHT 🌟 Meet Melanie McWilliams, second grade teacher at Cavett Elementary School. Whether collaborating with coworkers or connecting with families, Melanie says the people she’s met through LPS have made teaching especially meaningful. Read more in Melanie’s Q&A below.

“Mrs. McWilliams is an exceptional teacher who knows the value of truly knowing her students. When we moved to Lincoln, my son was in second grade and had moved to yet another school. I told Mrs. McWilliams all I cared about was to make him feel safe, encourage him to make mistakes and be creative and help him make friends. She did just that. I saw the light come back into my child! She has also taught my daughter this year and loves her creative, spunky spirit! She truly knows her students and supports them in and out of the classroom.” - J.J. Bennett - sixth grade teacher at Moore Middle School and parent of Cavett students

How long have you worked for LPS?
I have worked for LPS for 20 years.

What inspired you to become part of the education field at LPS?
I went to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. All of my teaching experiences were through LPS, and I really enjoyed my time in all of the different buildings I had been in. My sister was a teacher in Arizona at the time, and when talking with her about the experiences she had, I realized that LPS had many different resources and opportunities that other districts and states didn't have.

What has been your favorite part of working here? What aspect of your job do you find most rewarding?
My favorite part of working here is the relationships I have made. From the people I work with on a daily basis to some of my favorite people I work with at the district! I am so lucky to have collaborated with some of the BEST educators out there. I also LOVE my students and their families. It is so fun to build relationships and get to know different families throughout my years of teaching. The people are what make my job the best - coworkers, parents and most importantly, the students. The most rewarding part of my job is to see the growth that students have made, not only throughout the year but even throughout the many years I have known them! They make me so proud!

In one word, what makes you proud to work for LPS?
Relationships.

Did you attend LPS as a student? If so, which school(s)? If not, where are you from?
I grew up in York, Neb., and attended York Public Schools.

What path did you take after completing your formal education?
I graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2005. While I was teaching, I went back to school to get my master's degree from Concordia University, Nebraska. I also completed the Primarily Math program through the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

I started my career off as a substitute. I went on to teach reading recovery and intervention for the next two years (Hartley, West Lincoln, Prescott and Elliott). Then, I taught first grade at Elliott Elementary School for 13 years. In 2022, I went to Cavett to teach second grade and have been here ever since.

What do you enjoy most about the Lincoln community?
I love how Lincoln is a larger community than where I grew up, but it isn't too big! I love that I can go to different places and see people that I know, but I also love how it is big enough that not everyone knows me! I love the opportunities that Lincoln has for families and kids. There is always something for everyone!

What is your favorite childhood book or a book that has influenced your life positively?
“The Giving Tree.” I actually think my first grade teacher (mentioned below) was the first one to read it to me, and I just really liked the story. It has so many different layers and points of view, which at the time I didn't think much about :)

Share a shout out to a former teacher who impacted your life.
Becky Samuelson (Niewedde), my first grade teacher. She was loving, kind and made learning fun, and that is why I am a teacher today!

For some of our recent LPS graduates, their future plans include their very own classroom! This spring, sixty-five seniors from all eight LPS high schools participated in inaugural future educators signing days. Administrators, teachers, friends and family members cheered for students as they decided to follow their classroom callings and declared their intent to become future educators!

Some of these students shared their "why" behind going into education, read all about it in this story: https://www.lps.org/post/detail.cfm?id=16115

To see the full galleries from all eight signing day events, head to this link: https://photos.lps.org/2025-2026/2026-Future-Educators-Signing-Day

STAFF SPOTLIGHT 🌟 Meet Jessica Stoffer, cafeteria assistant supervisor in LPS Nutrition Services. After spending years in the restaurant industry, Jessica joined LPS looking for a better balance and found a community she loves. Today, she supports Nutrition Services teams across the district, helping create positive environments for both students and staff every single day. Read more in Jessica’s Q&A below.

“Jessica is always so helpful, fast and encouraging in everything she does. She can take a stressful moment and turn it into a positive one, no matter what. She is always smiling and makes sure her staff members are good before she leaves and goes on to her next assignment daily. She makes things seem a lot lighter when in our kitchen, no matter what she may have going on or how much she has to get done. She is a wonderful role model and is not afraid to jump in and get things done and super fast.” - Amanda Justus, Elliott Elementary School kitchen manager

In a few sentences, briefly describe your role at LPS.
I am an assistant supervisor for Nutrition Services at the district office. Each day, I go to schools and help train staff, organize kitchens and sometimes just be there for staff as needed. No two days are the same for me. I am at a different school almost every day, and very rarely at my office. I get to build relationships with so many people and I love it.

How long have you worked for LPS?
This is my fifth year with LPS.

What inspired you to become part of the education field at LPS?
I had been working in restaurants my entire life. After a decade of working weekends, evenings, and most holidays, I was burnt out and ready to live my life. LPS caught my eye because of the schedule, but once I started, I fell in love with the environment and the people.

What has been your favorite part of working here? What aspect of your job do you find most rewarding?
I love kids, I love food, and I love to travel. LPS allowed me the ability to enjoy all of these. I get to interact with students every day, be part of a team that prepares thousands of meals, and the schedule allows me the ability to have a great work-life balance. I love that through my role, I can help make someone's day a little bit better.

In one word, what makes you proud to work for LPS?
Impact.

Did you attend LPS as a student? If so, which school(s)? If not, where are you from?
No, I grew up in Arizona.

What path did you take after completing your formal education?
I attended Central Community College and graduated with an associate’s degree in culinary arts. I then spent my early adult life in restaurants. I have worked in fine dining, been an executive chef, and my favorite was my time spent as a pastry chef. I still enjoy baking and love to bring treats in to share.

What do you enjoy most about the Lincoln community?
I LOVE the people. Everyone is so welcoming, so nice and helpful. We have an amazing community of people here.

What is your favorite childhood book or a book that has influenced your life positively?
I loved the “Eragon” series as a kid. It was my inspiration for adventure.

Share a shout out to a former teacher who impacted your life.
Ms. Bradley was my high school math teacher. She taught me that learning could be done in your own way, and finding the way that made sense for you is what matters. Class never felt like a chore with her. She was so good at connecting with students and keeping us engaged.

https://lps.org/post/detail.cfm?id=16117
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After over 50 years in education, retired Morley Elementary School teacher Diane Huseman is still making an impact as a substitute teacher at the school she called home for more than 30 years.

Teachers request her, students love having her in class and generations of Morley families know her by name.

Read more about the longtime Morley educator ⬇️

Retired Morley teacher continues making an impact as substitute After 56 years in education, longtime substitute teacher and former Morley teacher Diane Huseman still loves being in the classroom, where she continues building lasting relationships with students.

STAFF SPOTLIGHT 🌟 Meet Melissa Moates, music teacher at Kloefkorn Elementary School. For more than 20 years in LPS, she has helped students build confidence and creativity through music while creating meaningful experiences for the entire school community. Read more in Melissa’s Q&A below.

“Melissa is an asset to the students of Kloefkorn. Melissa puts her heart and soul into her students! The Kloefkorn choir concerts are high school level in their preparation and presentation. The students are gently guided in a professional manner and the students respond in kind. Melissa is one in a million who makes a very hard job look effortless. Melissa Moates is a blessing and an asset to her students and the community of Lincoln.” - Mark Luebbe, custodian at Kloefkorn Elementary School

In a few sentences, briefly describe your role at LPS.
I currently serve as the general music teacher at Kloefkorn Elementary School. I love teaching all of the students in our building and getting to know them over a period of several years. It is a true joy to help them learn to create, perform and respond to music and to help them develop their talents and appreciation of music.

How long have you worked for LPS?
I started teaching in LPS in 2001. I have taught at Lincoln High, Zeman Elementary, McPhee Elementary and now at Kloefkorn Elementary.

What inspired you to become part of the education field at LPS?
I began watching the excellence in LPS music education while I was in high school and in college. I saw several outstanding music programs and the opportunities they offered. I graduated from a small school (there were 16 in my graduating class) that did not offer a lot of opportunities for those interested in the arts. My father and mother were both teachers. They encouraged me to pursue a career in education.

What has been your favorite part of working here? What aspect of your job do you find most rewarding?
I love building relationships with students, families and co-workers. I have watched and worked with so many over the years who give their all to make a difference behind the scenes.

In one word, what makes you proud to work for LPS?
Excellence.

Did you attend LPS as a student? If so, which school(s)? If not, where are you from?
I grew up on a farm, 10 miles from Newcastle, Neb.

What path did you take after completing your formal education?
I attended Wayne State and earned a degree in music education. I then went on to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and obtained a master’s of music in vocal performance. From there, I moved to Nashville and worked in music management, music law and in radio. Having a family changed the direction of my life, as my husband and I wanted to raise our kids closer to our families here in Nebraska.

What do you enjoy most about the Lincoln community?
I love the opportunities it provides to connect with other musicians and people within the field of music and education. Lincoln and LPS have provided my own children with many opportunities related to their own career paths.

What is your favorite childhood book or a book that has influenced your life positively?
The Bible.

Share a shout out to a former teacher who impacted your life.
Dr. Cornell Runestad - Wayne State College
Sheryl Banks - private piano teacher
Dr. Bess Scott - LPS principal

https://www.lps.org/post/detail.cfm?id=16103