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Nominee: Kathryn Zeller (Kzeller@gips.org)
Nominated by: Alicia Enriquez (aenriquez@gips.org)
For Don Miller Distinguished Service
Date: 2024-12-12
Nomination description:
They are an amazing teacher, she makes classes easier and more fun. shes an incredible teacher and deserves everything.
Nominated by: Alicia Enriquez (aenriquez@gips.org)
For Don Miller Distinguished Service
Date: 2024-12-12
Nomination description:
They are an amazing teacher, she makes classes easier and more fun. shes an incredible teacher and deserves everything.
Nominee: Kathryn Zeller (kzelller@gips.org)
Nominated by: Sofia Hamner de Paula (shamnerdepaul@gips.org)
For Don Miller Distinguished Service
Date: 2024-12-12
Nomination description:
Mrs. Zeller deserves this award in all its entirety as a math teacher, because she tries so hard to make sure all students understand, using different methods for kids with different learning styles. For me personally, math clicked for me for the first time in Mrs. Zeller\'s classes.
Nominated by: Sofia Hamner de Paula (shamnerdepaul@gips.org)
For Don Miller Distinguished Service
Date: 2024-12-12
Nomination description:
Mrs. Zeller deserves this award in all its entirety as a math teacher, because she tries so hard to make sure all students understand, using different methods for kids with different learning styles. For me personally, math clicked for me for the first time in Mrs. Zeller\'s classes.
Nominee: Kathryn Zeller (kzelller@gips.org)
Nominated by: Sofia Hamner de Paula (shamnerdepaul@gips.org)
For Don Miller Distinguished Service
Date: 2024-12-12
Nomination description:
Mrs. Zeller deserves this award in all its entirety as a math teacher, because she tries so hard to make sure all students understand, using different methods for kids with different learning styles. For me personally, math clicked for me for the first time in Mrs. Zeller\'s classes.
Nominated by: Sofia Hamner de Paula (shamnerdepaul@gips.org)
For Don Miller Distinguished Service
Date: 2024-12-12
Nomination description:
Mrs. Zeller deserves this award in all its entirety as a math teacher, because she tries so hard to make sure all students understand, using different methods for kids with different learning styles. For me personally, math clicked for me for the first time in Mrs. Zeller\'s classes.
Nominee: Tricia Buchanan (tricia.buchanan@spwildcat.org)
Nominated by: Jaime Camden (jaime.camden@spwildcat.org)
For Milton Beckman Lifetime Achievement
Date: 2025-03-01
Nomination description:
Tricia Buchanan exemplifies excellence in mathematics education throughout her career in Nebraska. As a dedicated educator at St. Paul School for over a decade, she returned full-time during a critical staffing shortage, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to student success. Her high expectations and rigorous teaching methods initially challenged students but ultimately earned their respect and gratitude, as evidenced by them seeking her guidance even after her formal teaching role ended. Tricia\'s contributions extend beyond the classroom. After earning her Masters through UNL\'s \"Math in the Middle\" program, she collaborated with the Nebraska Department of Education to develop updated state mathematics standards. Her expertise was further utilized in writing questions for state standards tests and evaluating ACT alignment with Nebraska standards. When a fellow mathematics teacher struggled, she professionally mentored them and voluntarily provided supplemental instruction through lecture videos and Zoom sessions for homework assistance. Her exceptional dedication continued when she stepped in to teach dual credit statistics, ensuring students received quality instruction. Tricia has consistently demonstrated leadership in promoting mathematics as both a science and field of study, implementing innovative teaching strategies, and maintaining high standards of instruction throughout her career. Her lifetime of contributions to mathematics education in Nebraska makes her an ideal recipient of the Milton Beckman Lifetime Achievement Award.
Nominated by: Jaime Camden (jaime.camden@spwildcat.org)
For Milton Beckman Lifetime Achievement
Date: 2025-03-01
Nomination description:
Tricia Buchanan exemplifies excellence in mathematics education throughout her career in Nebraska. As a dedicated educator at St. Paul School for over a decade, she returned full-time during a critical staffing shortage, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to student success. Her high expectations and rigorous teaching methods initially challenged students but ultimately earned their respect and gratitude, as evidenced by them seeking her guidance even after her formal teaching role ended. Tricia\'s contributions extend beyond the classroom. After earning her Masters through UNL\'s \"Math in the Middle\" program, she collaborated with the Nebraska Department of Education to develop updated state mathematics standards. Her expertise was further utilized in writing questions for state standards tests and evaluating ACT alignment with Nebraska standards. When a fellow mathematics teacher struggled, she professionally mentored them and voluntarily provided supplemental instruction through lecture videos and Zoom sessions for homework assistance. Her exceptional dedication continued when she stepped in to teach dual credit statistics, ensuring students received quality instruction. Tricia has consistently demonstrated leadership in promoting mathematics as both a science and field of study, implementing innovative teaching strategies, and maintaining high standards of instruction throughout her career. Her lifetime of contributions to mathematics education in Nebraska makes her an ideal recipient of the Milton Beckman Lifetime Achievement Award.
Nominee: Anna Thede (anna.thede@spwildcat.org)
Nominated by: Jaime Camden (jaime.camden@spwildcat.org)
For Rookie of the Year
Date: 2025-02-27
Nomination description:
As the School Counselor for grades 7-12 at St. Paul School, it is my privilege to nominate Anna Thede for the Rookie Math Teacher of the Year award. In her first year as a full-time teacher, Anna has demonstrated exceptional talent, dedication, and adaptability that distinguishes her as an outstanding educator. Even during her student teaching, Anna displayed a remarkable natural aptitude for education, seamlessly transitioning from student teacher to full-time faculty while bringing enthusiasm and innovative teaching methods to her classroom. When our mathematics department faced unexpected staffing challenges, Anna stepped in without hesitation to ensure our students\' education remained uninterrupted, quickly adapting to new classes and curriculum requirements while maintaining high standards during a potentially disruptive time. She has excelled in implementing the Nebraska Math Readiness Program, integrating its principles effectively into her teaching methods to help students develop stronger foundational skills. Perhaps most impressive is Anna\'s dedication to individualized learning, showing remarkable flexibility in working with students who require customized approaches to meet their mathematics goals, particularly seniors preparing for graduation. Anna cultivates a classroom atmosphere that is simultaneously supportive and challenging, with her positive, upbeat demeanor creating a space where students feel comfortable taking academic risks. Her contributions to St. Paul School have been invaluable, and we are fortunate to have her as part of our educational community. She is truly deserving of recognition as Rookie Math Teacher of the Year.
Nominated by: Jaime Camden (jaime.camden@spwildcat.org)
For Rookie of the Year
Date: 2025-02-27
Nomination description:
As the School Counselor for grades 7-12 at St. Paul School, it is my privilege to nominate Anna Thede for the Rookie Math Teacher of the Year award. In her first year as a full-time teacher, Anna has demonstrated exceptional talent, dedication, and adaptability that distinguishes her as an outstanding educator. Even during her student teaching, Anna displayed a remarkable natural aptitude for education, seamlessly transitioning from student teacher to full-time faculty while bringing enthusiasm and innovative teaching methods to her classroom. When our mathematics department faced unexpected staffing challenges, Anna stepped in without hesitation to ensure our students\' education remained uninterrupted, quickly adapting to new classes and curriculum requirements while maintaining high standards during a potentially disruptive time. She has excelled in implementing the Nebraska Math Readiness Program, integrating its principles effectively into her teaching methods to help students develop stronger foundational skills. Perhaps most impressive is Anna\'s dedication to individualized learning, showing remarkable flexibility in working with students who require customized approaches to meet their mathematics goals, particularly seniors preparing for graduation. Anna cultivates a classroom atmosphere that is simultaneously supportive and challenging, with her positive, upbeat demeanor creating a space where students feel comfortable taking academic risks. Her contributions to St. Paul School have been invaluable, and we are fortunate to have her as part of our educational community. She is truly deserving of recognition as Rookie Math Teacher of the Year.
Nominee: Maggie Scott (mscott4@lps.org)
Nominated by: Duane Dohmen (ddohmen@lps.org)
For Rookie of the Year
Date: 2025-02-27
Nomination description:
Maggie is a first-year math teacher at Lux Middle School, and in her short tenure here, she has totally rocked it. There are so many positive attributes that Maggie possesses, but the most apparent is her ability to utilize effective teaching. She does not look like a first-year teacher because she already possesses skills that others take years to acquire. Maggie has fostered a positive balance between building respect and rapport with her students and setting expectations. At times, these priorities pull at each other for new teachers, not Maggie. Her ability to relate to students, to plan and create for students, and to communicate, engage, and assess in a way that keeps students involved is really effective - especially for a first-year teacher! But this is just one aspect of Maggie’s ability to teach. Another is her ability to inspire young learners. Maggie makes math fun, interesting, and enjoyable. Her passion for teaching is a strong part of her classroom. Her energy is second to none, and her love for math, teaching, learning, and education is the glue that holds much of this together. When I go into Maggie’s classroom, there are a few things that come to mind. First, I am appreciative of how fortunate Lux is to have her as a part of our team. Second, I am amazed at how talented she is as a first-year teacher. And finally, I am grateful that she has a mindset of growth and is reflective. Maggie’s potential is so high. She is an amazing teacher and person, and she is making our school a better place.
Nominated by: Duane Dohmen (ddohmen@lps.org)
For Rookie of the Year
Date: 2025-02-27
Nomination description:
Maggie is a first-year math teacher at Lux Middle School, and in her short tenure here, she has totally rocked it. There are so many positive attributes that Maggie possesses, but the most apparent is her ability to utilize effective teaching. She does not look like a first-year teacher because she already possesses skills that others take years to acquire. Maggie has fostered a positive balance between building respect and rapport with her students and setting expectations. At times, these priorities pull at each other for new teachers, not Maggie. Her ability to relate to students, to plan and create for students, and to communicate, engage, and assess in a way that keeps students involved is really effective - especially for a first-year teacher! But this is just one aspect of Maggie’s ability to teach. Another is her ability to inspire young learners. Maggie makes math fun, interesting, and enjoyable. Her passion for teaching is a strong part of her classroom. Her energy is second to none, and her love for math, teaching, learning, and education is the glue that holds much of this together. When I go into Maggie’s classroom, there are a few things that come to mind. First, I am appreciative of how fortunate Lux is to have her as a part of our team. Second, I am amazed at how talented she is as a first-year teacher. And finally, I am grateful that she has a mindset of growth and is reflective. Maggie’s potential is so high. She is an amazing teacher and person, and she is making our school a better place.
Nominee: Maggie Scott (mscott4@lps.org)
Nominated by: Becky Evans (revans2@lps.org)
For Rookie of the Year
Date: 2025-03-06
Nomination description:
Maggie demonstrates teaching ability far beyond that of a first year teacher. Having the opportunity to observe her classroom multiple times, and meet with her team bi-weekly, I have seen firsthand her ability to connect with both students and her teacher colleagues. Her thoughtfulness and self-reflection translate into the classroom, with each lesson intentionally planned to capture the intrigue of her students while maintaining high academic expectations. It is rare to see a teacher at the beginning of their career who not only plans lessons that engage students, but is able to execute those plans to a high level. Her passion for learning and mathematics is infectious in her classroom, which is clearly evident through both teacher-student and student-student interactions. Several students linger instead of going to their next class and many come back to see her at the end of the day, due to the inviting, supportive environment she has created. Maggie has been an amazing first year teacher in Lincoln Public Schools, and I am excited to see the teacher she develops into.
Nominated by: Becky Evans (revans2@lps.org)
For Rookie of the Year
Date: 2025-03-06
Nomination description:
Maggie demonstrates teaching ability far beyond that of a first year teacher. Having the opportunity to observe her classroom multiple times, and meet with her team bi-weekly, I have seen firsthand her ability to connect with both students and her teacher colleagues. Her thoughtfulness and self-reflection translate into the classroom, with each lesson intentionally planned to capture the intrigue of her students while maintaining high academic expectations. It is rare to see a teacher at the beginning of their career who not only plans lessons that engage students, but is able to execute those plans to a high level. Her passion for learning and mathematics is infectious in her classroom, which is clearly evident through both teacher-student and student-student interactions. Several students linger instead of going to their next class and many come back to see her at the end of the day, due to the inviting, supportive environment she has created. Maggie has been an amazing first year teacher in Lincoln Public Schools, and I am excited to see the teacher she develops into.