Member Shout-Outs
The premise of the shout-out campaign is simple: we all know English/ELA teachers who are doing an amazing job and should be recognized for the good work they do every day. Folks who are shouted out by a colleague will be recognized on the NELAC website and at our 2026 fall conference. Is there someone you would like to shout-out? Fill out the form below!
Anthony Anderson
Lincoln Northeast High SchoolI am rejuvenated every day by getting to know my students and forming relationships with them, having academic conversations with them that always end up helping me rethink or reframe ideas I have, and watching my students grow as learners and as people. I’m a data person, too, so when I see positive trends in school achievement data, I am also ecstatic about the results and eager to start working toward a new goal.
I would say the advice I have for future English teachers is a hard one to swallow: you are not the explainer of texts. You have to be willing to let students do some hard thinking and, maybe, not leave a text with everything you want them to know. The most important thing is getting them engaged with the complex ideas a text presents and the critical thinking those ideas engender.
“Anthony is the instructional leader of our team at Northeast. He never settles for "good enough." He consistently pushes his students and us to seek improvement. I appreciate his commitment to growth in reading and writing. I love that he sees the talents that each person in our department brings to the table. There is no one I'd rather work for. He challenges every member of this team and seeks to balance that challenge with support and encouragement. It's fun to be a member of the LNE English department. I had worries about fit and cohesion when I was coming into this building, but Anthony dispelled those. He is friendly and generous, he seeks out connection with each member of our department, and he makes us feel like a team, not just a bunch of individuals. It's easy for chairs to get too busy for their department, but he makes a lot of time for us, and I don't ever feel that he is unapproachable.” [Anonymous colleague]
“Anthony is a data-driven leader, leading the LNE English department in using student assessment data to drive instructional planning and intervention development. Anthony's organized and focused approach to continuous improvement, while honoring the expertise of teachers, drives a positive and successful culture with student learning at the center.” [Principal Liz Miller]
Chase Magnett
Omaha North High Magnet SchoolSomething that brings me joy as a teacher is waking up every morning wondering what wonderful adventures a new day writing, reading, and discussing the world with students will bring.
Remember who you come to school to serve. Administrators, parents, co-workers, etc. will all demand your time and attention, but we are here to serve our students before anyone else.
Chase is so strong in making connections with complex issues with students. The way he discusses things makes me wish I could be a student in his class, even if only for a while. He brings a passion and excitement to teaching I'm glad I get to witness, and uses free moments throughout the day to really connect with students in his class and in the halls. North is so lucky to have him as a teacher. Chase has been the BEST grade level team partner for my first year at North. He has been supportive, kind, inclusive, and I really appreciate his efforts in making me feel welcome. [Anonymous Colleague]
Mr. Magnett goes above and beyond to support seniors as they make it to graduation, always showing up with care and commitment. Also, his passion for lifting up student voices and helping them express themselves through creative writing and North High's literary magazine really inspires confidence and imagination among his students. [Christopher Humphries Ed.S., Principal, Omaha North High]
Cyndy Maddux
Lincoln North Star High SchoolWhat brings me the most joy as a teacher? Getting to be with the young people every day. Although I am a woman of a "certain age," I know the kids help keep my persepctive from becoming geriatric. I love the humor, insights, kindness, and passions they share with me daily. In a time when there are so many things in the world evoking despair, my students always inspire hope for the future in me. My greatest wish is that they learn as much from me as I learn from them, but I don't think that may even be possible... If I had one piece of advice to give to new teachers it would be to remember you are the only person in the room with a high , school diploma and college degree. It can sometimes be fir intimidating when you start your career, but you are the adult in the room. Every year will get easier, and there are colleagues who are always willing to help you.
“ELA attracts some of the brightest minds in education, and Cyndy Maddux is the absolute best of them. She is incredibly sharp, quick-witted, and intellectually gifted, yet she remains one of the most approachable colleagues I’ve known. She shares her brilliance generously, making everyone in her orbit a better teacher. Cyndy Maddux never gate-keeps good ideas. She's a top-tier curriculum organizer and thoughtful planner, and whether you're stuck in a rut or brand new to the profession, she treats you like an equal and shares her expertise. Her contributions make us all better educators.” [Sydney Jensen, Lincoln High School (2019 Nebraska Teacher of the Year)]
“Cyndy is a student-focused teacher. She really cares about her students and creates an atmosphere where they thrive.” [Megan Kroll, Principal of Lincoln North Star High School, LPS]
Dr. Sarah Staples-Farmer
Lincoln East High SchoolTo be completely “real”, I love summers. What a gift to have time to learn, take classes, to plan, to collaborate, and have days to reflect on the year prior and to lay new plans for the next. I’m not sure another profession allows for that devoted time to analyze, meditate, and strategize. For example, I will be teaching Sports Literature next year for the first time and my goal is to amp up that curriculum to give kids opportunities to shine, not only as readers, but also as interviewers, journalists, podcasters, and researchers. Teaching consumes our time so much during the school year, but then we have summer: actual days to ourselves to innovate, to reinvent, and to replenish depleted stores from the year prior. Summertime isn’t “off time”; summertime is “our time.” It’s like our own annual mini-sabbatical.
New Teachers: Undeniably, you will be tested: will you or will you not remain in this field? Please stay. Longevity will depend on your ability to shift, to change, to transition, and to work on growth. And growth takes WERK. Commit to attend NCTE every or every other year; seek an advanced degree; get on a curriculum writing committee; position yourself to help make decisions. Engage. Become entrenched in school culture. Socialize with students: chaperone a dance, attend events, sponsor, coach--just be present for the kids and they will sustain you. They will keep you young, hip, and cool.
“Sarah has been HARD at it for 30 years teaching in the classroom. I continue to meet former students and parents of students who tell me how influential she was as a teacher. American Literature and AP language are her strengths where she infuses her teaching with significant texts that cover the critical issues of post-colonialism, feminism, and all matters of social justice. Sarah has been crushing it in the classroom for decades and is an amazing role model for kids. No one is more deserving!” [Ken Flowerday]
“Sarah is a highly effective teacher who maintains a classroom environment that is consistently on task, well supported, and academically demanding. She builds strong, respectful relationships with her students while upholding high expectations for learning and performance. Her deep knowledge of the English curriculum and genuine passion for the subject are essential to her students’ success and are evident in her purposeful instruction and commitment to supporting their post secondary goals.” [Casey Fries, Principal of Lincoln East High School]
Jennifer Parkhurst
Kiewit Middle SchoolThe reason I love teaching so much is because of the kids. I truly love sharing books and knowledge with them, and being part of their growth as readers, writers, and individuals. There's.. something really special about watching them discover a story, find their voice, or gain confidence in their abilities. I want them not only to read well, but to love reading in a way that stays with them. They bring me so much joy every day, and I hope I'm able to bring that same joy to them.
My advice for new ELA teachers is this: Share books you genuinely love. Let them see your excitement about stories, language, and ideas. A real love for learning is contagious. Your goal isn't just to teach skills, but to help students grow into confident readers, thoughtful writers, and individuals who feel like their voices matter.
“Jenni makes everybody feel like not only a somebody, but a rockstar. She is so passionate about not only what she teachers, but who she teaches-- and THAT makes all the difference. I want to be just like Jenni when I grow up in every sense. It is physically impossible to be sad when you are around Jenni. She exudes sunshine and love from every pore of her body. She is the best of what this world has to offer!!” [Anonymous colleague]
Katelyn Weseman
Walnut Middle SchoolThe greatest form of joy that comes with teaching is the connection that we get to make with students every day. In particular, I love teaching Language Arts not just because of the love I have for reading and writing, but also for the foundation it provides for truly meaningful relationships with students. I love getting to talk about what makes life what it is with students as we work to expand their knowledge of the world and of who they are.
There is a nuanced balance that must exist between forming relationships with students and teaching them your content. Your students won’t care about what you’re teaching them unless they know that you care about them. In my opinion, the best content to teach when you want to truly get to know your students is Language Arts. Helping students to grow as readers and writers is also one of the best ways to help set them up for success in the future. Enjoy your students for who they are because they are amazing!
“Katelyn Weseman is a remarkable educator. Not only does she think deeply and critically about her ELA content, but she also encourages the same from her sixth-grade students. Her classroom is both engaging and inviting, and she does a masterful job of balancing teaching the student and teaching the content. She recognizes that those ideas do not stand in opposition of one another. Katelyn is exactly the type of person I would want to teach my own child.
When she first started her teaching career, Katelyn intended to be an elementary practitioner. She is, however, truly amazing at the middle level. Not only does she work well with the kids, but she's an asset to any adult team she's a part of. She's a reflective practitioner and is just generally a delightful human to spend time around. Our school and our district are lucky to have her.” (Liz Boyle, colleague and Instructional Coach at Walnut Middle School]
“Katelyn has a way of connecting with students that really stands out. She creates a classroom where kids feel comfortable and are connected, while still pushing them to think, grow, and do their best work. That balance isn’t easy, but she does it naturally. She’s also a great teammate—thoughtful, reflective, and always willing to collaborate. We’re lucky to have her, and I’m glad to see her getting this well deserved recognition!” [Rod Foley, Principal of Walnut Middle School in GIPS]
Laura Enos
Hastings Senior High SchoolWhat brings me the most joy as a teacher are the relationships I’ve made with fellow colleagues, students, and families. All of the creative, kind, and supportive individuals that I have the privilege to collaborate with, work beside, and encourage each school day make this profession one-of-kind. My advice for new teachers is to keep a “sunshine folder”. Any positive note or piece of encouragement you receive, whether handwritten or electronically, should never be thrown away or deleted. Even on the tough days, you need to revisit your “happy folder” to validate you’re doing your best and putting in the work. That saved feedback and positive keepsakes are worth so much more than any trophy or plaque.
“Everywhere Laura has taught, she brings insight, innovation, creativity, and spunk. I miss teaching with her. She challenged me to be a better version of myself in the classroom. She is kind, real, and respectful to students, staff, and families. On top of all of this, Laura has chosen to live hours away from her husband and son in Gretna. Her parents are ailing, and so she has moved back home to Hastings during the week to help them and teach at her alma mater.” [Shelby Olson, Fremont Middle School]
Lauren Funk
Lincoln East High School“As the English department chair, Lauren has shown the ability to lead her department through the many waves of change that have come their way, while also striking out with her own vision of where English Education should steer towards” [Anonymous colleague]
“Lauren consistently exemplifies what it means to be an exceptional educator. Her classroom is an engaging environment where students actively collaborate and participate in meaningful learning. She designs creative, rigorous assessments grounded in strong instructional practices, ensuring students are both challenged and supported. As a department chair, Lauren is committed to supporting her colleagues while meeting the needs of students and the school. She willingly takes on additional responsibilities, including new course preparations, and models true teamwork. Her leadership is essential to our building and the success of our students.” [Casey Fries, Principal of Lincoln East HIgh School]
What brings me the most joy as a teacher? SO many things. I LOVE forming relationships with students and being able to see their growth as readers, writers, and thinkers over the course of a unit, semester, year, or even years. It is such a fun thing to celebrate alongside them. I love the collaborative nature of teaching and find it to be a very creative outlet.
What advice do you have for English teachers who are just entering the profession? Be unapologetically who you are. It will give students permission to do the same. Give yourself grace and also time and space to recharge. Find the people who will lift you up and who will keep things positive.
Lexi Brannon-Young
Lincoln High SchoolWhat keeps me showing up is simply how fun high schoolers are! There is never a day that I don’t laugh or smile!
My advice for new educators is to remember that nothing is ever too serious. Mistakes will happen and it’s important to laugh at yourself and learn from the mistakes instead of beating yourself down!
“Lexi is an ELL teacher, but works closely with her students to engage and connect them to a language that is unfamiliar with them. She forms connections with her students to understand who they are as people and as students. Additionally, she cultivates classroom content and lessons that invite joy into the classroom for student learning. She’s a rockstar and the biggest advocate I know “ [Avery Clason, Gehring High School]
Lindsey Pohlmeier
Aurora High SchoolWhat brings me the most joy as a teacher? My students! They are so much fun, they keep my brain growing, they keep me somewhat young, and there is nothing better than watching them grow! Advice for English teachers entering the profession? English is a tough subject to teach, and even more so with AI in the picture. My advice? Start with your state standards when you plan your lessons. Your first year will be your hardest. Hang in there! Set expectations high…both for behavior and academics.
Lindsey is an amazing teacher who connects well with students and presents engaging English lessons. Students love being in her class and learning from her! She teaches juniors and has them complete a debate unit, which is something the students discuss outside of class. They take great pride in their success, and the research, writing, and public speaking skills they gain are impressive. Lindsey is an amazing teacher and person. She is a great mentor to new teachers and takes leadership roles in the district. She has been an outstanding asset to our staff. (Karrie Wiarda, Aurora Public Schools)
Ms. Pohlmeier has a remarkable ability to connect with students of all backgrounds and aspirations. She has the ability to engage even the most reluctant readers and writers by breaking down challenging content into a meaningful opportunity to learn. Ms. Pohlmeier's ability to build positive relationships with students, whether they are college-bound or preparing to enter the workforce, enables growth in every student that has the privilege of being in her classroom. (Doug Kittle, Principal, Aurora Public Schools
Rachel Jank
St. John's Lutheran SchoolTeaching middle school is such a fun ride. Getting to know the young people I work with—their personalities and passions—is the best part about teaching. As a writing and reading teacher, I get a deeper knowledge of who they are through their creativity and work.
Early career teachers: learn how to play the long game. Find people who have stuck with the profession and learn how they did it. Early in teaching, it feels like everything is a priority, but to keep your sanity, you need to figure out when to say yes and when to say no. Find a network and build a support system. Oh, and it gets better in year 4.
“Rachel is one of the most passionate, innovative, brilliant teachers I've ever met. She's also an incredible teacher-leader, evident through her many conference presentations and involvement with the Nebraska Writing Project. Rachel is also currently a PhD candidate at UNL, a testament to her tireless pursuit of excellence as a teacher. And like so many, she balances all this with her roles as a mom and active member of her community. She's definitely someone I admire as an educator and a person.” [Melissa Legate, Pierce High School]
One of the greatest appreciations that I have for Rachel Jank is her passion to be a lifelong learner. Rachel's passion for reading and writing is evident with her current students by the implementation of a lesson, relationships, and her intrinsic motivation for herself and those she teaches. We are blessed to have Rachel Jank on staff impacting the students in our school. [Barb Mertens, Principal of St. John Lutheran School]
Shari Johnson
Lincoln North Star High SchoolOne of my favorite aspects of teaching is watching students gain confidence and grow as writers. I gain great joy when concepts click for students, but there is nothing more gratifying than students realizing their own growth. For that reason, my favorite assignments involve student reflecting, as I enjoy learning about their thought processes and writing experiences. When I look back over my thirty-eight years of teaching and all of the relationships I have built, I consider myself one lucky lady.
The best advice I can offer to a new teacher is to never be too hard on yourself. We, as teachers, don’t always immediately see who we are reaching. Every lesson isn’t going to resonate with every student. On many occasions, it hasn’t been until years later when I hear from a previous student that I know what has been successful. Students are usually learning way more than we will ever know. Over the years, I gained great insight into my lessons by writing with my students and sharing my writing with them. This also gives them confidence to share with their peers, and they tend to learn as much from their peers’ writing as they do from me. Lastly, don’t try to do it all yourself; collaboration is key! I give most of the credit for my growth as a teacher and a writer to my collaboration with my colleagues.
Shari is an incredible teacher whose experience, dedication, and steady leadership make a lasting difference for students and staff. I can always count on Shari to provide a positive attitude when the going gets tough and to have a laugh to share! She goes out of her way to support students not only in the classroom, but also in their preparations for speech competitions—coaching, encouraging, and investing extra time to help them succeed. I have witnessed Shari be meticulous in her grading, share her time outside of school by writing recommendations for students, and continually work to improve so that each assignment is as engaging as possible. Her commitment to students’ growth and confidence truly sets her apart. [Anonymous colleague]
Shari focuses her teaching on student centered relationships. She works hard to know about her students and help adjust her lessons to meet their needs and interests.
[Megan Kroll, Principal of Lincoln North Star High School]
Shelby Cowan
Lincoln North Star High SchoolMy students are the reason I am so excited to go to work every day. I am in constant awe of my students. It's the moments when: A struggling student sees themselves as capable and strong, students connect with one another, a student sees themselves reflected in the lesson or in the text, or when a former student shares how far they have come.And so many more moments. My students are incredible, capable, and truly inspiring. I feel so lucky that I get to be even a small part of their lives.
My advice for anyone entering the teaching profession is to always keep a reflective teaching practice. This will help you foster a more engaging, adaptable, and inclusive classroom. This mindset will allow you to see places for growth and places to celebrate. Don't forget to ask for help. Teaching is the most rewarding, but sometimes isolating job. Find people who you can go to for assistance, to troubleshoot, or brainstorm.
“Shelby is an exceptional English teacher who brings Literature to life in her AP classes and challenges her students to think deeply and write authentically in her Composition classes. As department chair, she leads with kindness, organization, and a collaborative spirit that strengthens the entire team. In her role as yearbook sponsor, she fosters creativity, attention to detail, and school pride—ensuring students capture meaningful memories while learning valuable skills. Shelby makes sure each voice is heard, and honored, wherever she steps foot. Her dedication, leadership, and heart for students, as well as her colleagues, make a lasting impact across the school community.” [Anonymous colleague]
“Shelby is a passionate leader who always wants what is best for students and colleagues. Shelby is always thinking about and planning what is best for all.” [Megan Kroll, Principal of Lincoln North Star High School]