Congratulations to five teachers involved in our CSMCE programs who were awarded 2022-23 Inspire Awards from the Lincoln Public Schools Foundation:
Megan Beacom (Primarily Math)
Saratoga Elementary School
2nd Grade Teacher
Nominated By: Principal Marci Imel
“Megan goes above and beyond to provide the best education for the students in her room. She is excellent at differentiation and meeting each student where they are. She inspires them to give their best effort and believe in themselves. Megan is a fantastic colleague and is always willing to help. She has always been open for questions and has helped new teachers by giving suggestions and new ideas when they communicate a struggle. Megan is an exceptional teacher. Her focus is on the academic and behavioral success of all of her students. Megan leads by example with her efforts. She shares her expertise and contributes to the overall success of Saratoga. She checks in with former students, she maintains relationships. She is inspiring.”
Alicia Davis (Nebraska Algebra and Noyce Master Teaching Fellow)
Scott Middle School
Math Teacher
Nominated By: Principal Mike Gillotti
“Alicia Davis inspires both students and colleagues to be their best. She leads her team with positivity, using a problem-solving approach. Alicia goes above and beyond to put students first, never giving up on any of them. She works tirelessly to build positive relationships with students and their families, collaborating with them through constant communication. Alicia’s classroom is innovative, utilizing research-based techniques that are creative and tap into multiple intelligences. In her classroom there is 100% engagement from bell to bell. Alicia is deeply committed to helping all students be successful mathematicians.”
Rachel Frank (Primarily Math)
Prescott Elementary School
Kindergarten Teacher
Nominated By: Principal Kristen Finley
“Rachel has been teaching and serving the Prescott Community for over 10 years. She is an active member in the community and has played a major role in coordinating and planning the yearly walk-a-thon to raise money to support updates to Prescott, most recently being the new lights around Prescott Park. Rachel is always going above and beyond to support the diverse Prescott Community playing a major role in planning the World Fair, Summer Fest, and using her bilingual abilities to support many Hispanic families throughout the year. Rachel is one of the most selfless people I have ever met, and always has the best interest of her students and those around her in mind. Rachel uses her leadership abilities to provide and support teachers around her with ideas, knowledge, and expertise. Having worked with Rachel, it was always apparent that she was there to give guidance and ideas in various situations. Whether it was working to find a way to better meet student needs, addressing concerns with families, or communicating with colleagues, Rachel was always helpful and kind in offering ideas and advice. Rachel also shows great leadership skills in listening to others ideas and making sure all ideas put on the table are recognized. She possess the ability to foster young teachers and mentor them by modeling strong teaching skills gained through not only her years of experience, but her desire to be a continual learner and actively seek out the newest research based practices and implement them in her teaching. Rachel has such a positive impact on those around her with her ‘can do’ attitude and genuine love for the Prescott community.”
Jamie Hoyle (Primarily Math)
Lakeview Elementary School
1st Grade Educator
Nominated By: Principal Susan Hershberger
“Jamie makes special contributions to Lakeview by providing opportunities for students to be successful at Lakeview. She is a hard worker and cares about ALL students. Jamie is an exceptional teacher. She is passionate about teaching and works to make every day count. Jaime is a positive role model for students and staff. She always checks in on others to make sure they are doing okay. She brings joy and laughter to every environment that she is in at Lakeview. The love that her students have for her and that she gives to her students is an amazing thing to see! Jamie shows each and every student how important they are in her classroom. She treats them all with kindness and shows them how much she cares by holding them to high expectations. When presented with a challenge from a student, she stays patient and remembers to make it a teachable moment by showing students she is on their side and willing to help them through it. Our students are very blessed to have a teacher as loving and caring as Jamie! Jamie is always open-minded and so great to work with.”
Kenzie Wright (AIR@NE: Computer Science for grades K-8)
Robinson Elementary School
Computer Science/ Librarian
Nominated By: Principal Jeff Vercellino
“The epitome of flexibility is Kenzie Wright. She gives of herself, her time, and her spaces. Although I think she could say ‘no thanks’ more often, it appears that is not part of her vocabulary. Her work on MTSS-B is remarkable, supporting the many initiatives the committee has formulated this year. Kenzie took the lead on the 2nd quarter assembly planning. I appreciate how cordial and friendly Kenzie is to everyone. She takes the time to chat both personally and professionally with both adults and children. Kenzie wears many, many hats and wears them well. She is represented of the Robinson Way in her many contributions, work with learners, demonstrating initiative, and being positive and inspirational.”
Also, former CSMCE student employee and AGAM summer camp coordinator Cecilia Burda, a special education teacher at Lincoln Northeast, was a recipient. Burda was nominated by principal Keri Applebee.