THE EDUCATOR’S GUIDE
to Lincoln Public Schools
Join our team of educators committed to ALL students.
Welcome to Lincoln Public Schools!
We’re glad you’re exploring a future at LPS. Our district is dedicated to supporting educators and students with a strong community, innovative learning, and a variety of opportunities to grow and succeed.
Board Equity Statement
The Lincoln Board of Education is committed to equity for students, staff and stakeholders of Lincoln Public Schools. Equity in education intentionally provides what each student needs to reach their individual potential. Students have access to opportunities through the same academic and behavior standards. Students are taught by expert teachers who hold students to the highest learning expectations, while fostering an environment for students to discover and explore their passions, while making meaningful connections, as they pursue their post-secondary dreams and aspirations.
Lincoln Public Schools provides the appropriate levels of resources and support that result in equitable and measurable outcomes for all students regardless of their socio-economic status, race, national origin, ethnic background, culture, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, sexual orientation, gender, transgender, age, disability, mental, physical or linguistic ability or other protected status.
Lincoln, Nebraska — Home of LPS
CARET-RIGHT Livability.com’s 2024 Top 100 Best Places to Live in the U.S.
CARET-RIGHT Ranked Best City in the U.S. for Renters by Forbes Advisor’s Report.
Lincoln, Nebraska, is a thriving and welcoming city of nearly 300,000 residents, located in the heart of the country and known for its friendly community atmosphere. With multiple entertainment venues, restaurants, beautiful parks and trails and higher-education institutions, Lincoln offers a well-rounded experience for residents. Visit lcoc.com/meet-lincoln to learn more about life in Lincoln.
“I’ve always thought of Lincoln as a great size community to live in as it’s big enough to have a wide variety of experiences and things to do, but small enough to still have a small-town feel.”
Tommy Bender
English and speech teacher at Southeast High School
Hometown: Crete, Neb.
“What I enjoy most about Lincoln is that the community takes pride in itself. This is a place where I know I will be able to grow as a person and as an educator.”
Morgan Lorenzen
Special education teacher at
Huntington Elementary School
Hometown: Sioux Falls, S.D.
“Lincoln is a community that supports one another and has space for people to be creative! We are the best ‘small’ big town in the country!”
Ron Kellogg III
Community builder at LPS Community Learning Centers
Hometown: Omaha, Neb.
Why Start Your Career at Lincoln Public Schools?
CARET-RIGHT Forbes 2023 America’s Best-in-State Employers.
CARET-RIGHT As the second-largest school district in the state, LPS has the ability to provide a personalized approach for staff.
CARET-RIGHT Numerous opportunities at 70+ schools and programs.
CARET-RIGHT Committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion professional development to ensure that all students have access to reach their full potential.
CARET-RIGHT Continuous professional development in the areas of curriculum, instruction, classroom management and technology.
CARET-RIGHT Committed to extracurricular activities to enhance the school experience at all levels.
Watch Our New Video Series
PLAY-CIRCLE VIDEO SERIES
Step inside the classroom with LPS educators and discover the profound impact they have on their students’ lives. Each story offers a glimpse into their world. Watch our educators’ stories at Home.LPS.org/classroomcalling.
What makes Lincoln Public Schools different than other places that I’ve worked, is your community support and your district support.
$48,556 STARTING SALARY $48,556 (One of the highest first-year teacher salaries in Nebraska)
Great Benefits
CARET-RIGHT Health & Dental Insurance: Blue Cross Blue Shield
CARET-RIGHT Retirement: 9.78% matched by LPS toward Nebraska Public Employees Retirement Systems
CARET-RIGHT Disability protection
CARET-RIGHT 11 annual leave days (may accumulate unused days for sick leave)
CARET-RIGHT Accumulated sick leave
CARET-RIGHT Employee Assistance Program
CARET-RIGHT 403(b) Tax Savings Plan
CARET-RIGHT $250 Teacher Enhancement Fund stipend
CARET-RIGHT Mentoring program
CARET-RIGHT New Educator Week stipend
CARET-RIGHT New employee salary advance
OLIVIA THORELL Campbell Elementary 4th Grade Teacher
New Educator Support
New Educator Week
A week dedicated for all new educators to Lincoln Public Schools. During this week you will:
CARET-RIGHT Receive your laptop and technology training.
CARET-RIGHT Learn the core values of equitable instruction in LPS, both academically and behaviorally.
CARET-RIGHT Spend two days in your curricular area/grade level with district leaders.
CARET-RIGHT Get to know your building leaders as well as have uninterrupted work time in the space you serve students.
New Educator Meetings
Instructional Coach and/or Mentor
Every new educator in Lincoln Public Schools will work with an instructional coach and/or a mentor, and they will have regular contact with them throughout the school year. This person will listen and provide support for whatever a new educator may need.
Each new educator will participate in tenure courses designed to support their assignment and the students they serve. Tenure courses take place for the first three years and include
All new educators hired to work at LPS will
Tenure Courses
Launching Your Career as an LPS School Psychologist
From comprehensive resources and professional development opportunities to supportive school environments and attractive benefits, LPS offers an enriching experience tailored to empower your career growth as a school psychologist and impact within our thriving community.
Resources & Materials
CARET-RIGHT Quick access to materials
CARET-RIGHT Variety of assessments to choose from
CARET-RIGHT Digital resource options
Support in Schools
CARET-RIGHT Opportunities for an expanded role
CARET-RIGHT Districtwide Behavior Framework
CARET-RIGHT Easy access to schoolwide data leading to less testing
Professional Development
CARET-RIGHT Robust training before school starts each year
CARET-RIGHT Monthly department meetings
CARET-RIGHT Nationally-recognized speakers
CARET-RIGHT Using appraised National Association of School Psychologists practice model
Collaboration
CARET-RIGHT Growth mindset culture
CARET-RIGHT Intentional time given to “talk shop”
CARET-RIGHT Group chats to ask questions and receive support
Compensation & Benefits
CARET-RIGHT Nationally Certified School Psychologists (NCSP) stipends
CARET-RIGHT Compensation for working five extra days
CARET-RIGHT Health, vision and dental insurance, as well as a robust retirement plan
Internships
CARET-RIGHT Experienced intern supervisors
CARET-RIGHT Monthly meetings with team leaders
CARET-RIGHT Up to 12 hours of tuition reimbursement for interns who stay with LPS
Other Great Reasons!
CARET-RIGHT Administrators handle paperwork
CARET-RIGHT Assigned to no more than two schools
CARET-RIGHT Lincoln is a growing and thriving community
If you have any questions, please contact Special Education Supervisor Dr. Adia Brightman at abrightm@LPS.org.
“When I think of LPS, I think of professional teaching. I’ve always wanted to ‘go pro’ in the profession. I remember having the most success with teachers who made learning fun and entertaining for me, so now it’s my turn to reciprocate that and try to make school a place that kids want to be.”
Aaron Flores
Fourth-grade teacher at West Lincoln Elementary School
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Our Schools
BEHAVIOR SUPPORT PROGRAMS
MIDDLE SCHOOLS
SPECIALTY HIGH SCHOOL FOCUS PROGRAMS
HIGH SCHOOLS
IRVING MIDDLE SCHOOL
LPS Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment
We empower staff with the resources to support the ever-changing needs of students.
Support for Teachers and Professional Learning
LPS Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Department is staffed and managed in a way that supports our teachers. We’re able to go to schools and help you every step of the way. Curriculum specialists and their team members also support teachers by holding professional learning specific to the content area throughout the year, as well as providing individual support as needed for teachers.
Teaching and Learning
LPS Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Department has an established curriculum used
consistently across the school district. By using the provided curriculum and materials, LPS teachers know where to start and where they are going, and students who move between schools don’t miss a beat. Teachers are able to be creative with their lesson plans in supporting the curriculum.
State Standards Alignment
There is no need for LPS teachers to have to write their own curriculum. The curriculum is provided so that teachers can focus on their lesson design.
Early Childhood Education at LPS
Serving over 2,000 children ages 0-5 and their families
LPS Early Childhood Education is committed to creating an environment where new educators can thrive. Experience support from both the community and the district. Lincoln has several early childhood initiatives, ensuring all young children have access to high-quality opportunities. We’re excited for you to become part of our team, shaping the future of education at LPS!
Why Join LPS Early Childhood Education?
CARET-RIGHT Be part of a collaborative setting with a team approach for serving and supporting young children and their families.
CARET-RIGHT Participate in a comprehensive new teacher orientation program with on-going support and connections with other new teachers and staff.
CARET-RIGHT Teach in high-quality classrooms which have achieved national accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. (LPS is the only public school district in Nebraska that has earned this recognition.)
CARET-RIGHT Engage in top-notch professional development opportunities that foster continuous learning and personal growth.
Who Is Part of Our Team?
CARET-RIGHT Early Childhood Family Educators (Classroom Teachers)
CARET-RIGHT Early Childhood Paraeducators (Preschool and SCLC)
CARET-RIGHT Early Childhood Speech Language Pathologists
CARET-RIGHT Early Childhood Special Education Resource Teachers
CARET-RIGHT Early Intervention Primary Service Providers and Service Coordinators
CARET-RIGHT Itinerant Specialists (Teacher of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Teacher of Visually Impaired, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist)
CARET-RIGHT Student Child Learning Center Teachers/Home Visitors
What Services Do We Provide?
Preschool
CARET-RIGHT 77 inclusive preschool classrooms
CARET-RIGHT 31 Lincoln Public Schools sites
Early Intervention
CARET-RIGHT Supporting families of children with disabilities in natural environments
Student Parent Program
CARET-RIGHT Assisting pregnant or parenting youth to attain independence and self-sufficiency
Support for Our Employees
Behavioral Support
Districtwide Behavior Framework
This comprehensive PK-12 framework is designed to equip teachers, staff, administrators and the community with the tools, strategies and practices necessary to cultivate a positive and supportive environment. Understanding and effectively managing behavior is fundamental to creating a learning environment where students can thrive academically, socially and emotionally.
Counseling and Social Work Services
Collaborate with school counselors and school social workers to provide support in order to maximize student potential and academic achievement.
Problem-Solving
Collaborate with district leaders to provide equitable support for positive behavior, attendance and academic success of all students as well as consistent discipline practices and responses.
Professional Learning
Professional learning opportunities available at LPS include Restorative Practices, Effective Classroom Practices (Routines, Procedures, DeEscalation), Mental Health, Suicide Prevention, Child Abuse Reporting, Trauma Capable and Concussion Management.
Security and Safety
We provide training and drills around our established Standard Response Protocols. We have a district Threat Assessment/Management program, while also providing district support and guidance with response to students in crisis and safety plans to support students who may be at risk.
Cellphone Protocols
To create an effective instructional environment, elementary and middle school students must keep their personal electronic devices turned off and kept in their backpacks during the school day. High school students may only use their personal devices before and after school, between class periods and during lunch.
Technology Support
New Laptop Distribution
Certificated staff and administrators receive a new MacBook Air every three years, along with training and support for the new device.
Connected Classrooms
Learning spaces are equipped with a modern digital toolset including integrated audio enhancement, document cameras and projectors with wireless capabilities.
Technology Support
Staff have access to technical support via a fully-staffed Help Desk call center, on-site technicians, engineering support and a dedicated information security team.
Instructional Technology Tools
LPS is committed to “best in class” technology systems and tools, including a world-class network and internet access. We help preserve teachers’ time by managing single-sign-on and rostered applications so teachers don’t have to manage ever-changing class lists and multiple user accounts.
Professional Learning
New educators enter the district with a full day of technology orientation and ongoing opportunities to extend learning around educational technology.
Special Education New Staff Support
Orientation
• Mentor program is provided for new teachers.
• New special educators attend their building staff development meetings during the first week of school.
• District special education orientation meetings are provided to new staff during the first week of school.
Administrative Support
• Full-time principals meet with new staff and provide coaching.
• Special education coordinators assigned to each building help special education teachers with scheduling and conducting IEP and MDT meetings.
• District special education administrators meet monthly with coordinators, support teachers with difficult IEP meetings, and conduct ongoing staffing reviews.
• Co-teaching and professional learning communities provide additional networking and support opportunities.
• Positive climate toward special education.
• Inclusive practices are celebrated in Lincoln Public Schools.
• Administrators and teachers support all paraeducators.
• Many principals have a special education background.
• A district special education parent advisory committee meets four times a year.
• Special education teachers are important contributors to building and district school improvement efforts and professional learning communities.
• Special education is integrally involved in general education curriculum studies.
• Consultants support special educators throughout the year.
• LPS is well-staffed with autism spectrum disorder experts, behavior specialists, vision and hearing teachers, audiologists, speech pathologists, occupational and physical therapists and psychologists. They are all available to consult, coach and demonstrate best practices to district educators.
Staff Development Support
• A wide range of year-round staff development opportunities are available. This includes frequent training collaborations with college professors, graduate students and professionals from outside agencies.
• Teachers receive professional leave and financial support to attend workshops and other training activities.
• Regular district meetings (at least monthly) are held by discipline specialists (OT/PTs, Speech Pathologists, School Psychologists, etc.).
• Tuition credit for advanced degrees is available.
Technical Support
• Staff have easy access to computers.
• Web-based IEPs and MDTs (Synergy) reduce paperwork.
• District analyses of student achievement data are provided to each building.
Dr. Vann Price Associate Superintendent for Human Resources vprice@LPS.org
If you have any questions, please contact:
Ryan Escamilla Supervisor of Secondary Education/ Director of Recruitment mescami@LPS.org
Dr. Jenny Fundus Supervisor for Special Programs jfundus@LPS.org
Additional Resources
Kristen Finley Supervisor of Elementary Education/ Personnel Services kfinley@LPS.org
