TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK
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2. Receive two hours of quality training
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Making a Mentor: Get SET Nebraska Serves Up Support for Special Education Teachers by Tyler Dahlgren ............................................................................................. 4
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: How ESUCC and TeamMates Joined Forces to Champion Literacy Across Nebraska by Tyler Dahlgren ............................................................................................. 6
Embracing a Community-Driven Pathway to Teaching by Dr. Larianne Polk ......................................................................................... 8
NCSA Hosts 19th Annual Tailgate Party Ahead of Huskers’ Game with Michigan .......................................................................................................... 10
The Importance of Collaboration and Self-Care by Stacy Rodriguez.......................................................................................... 12
COVER PHOTO
Dr. Larianne Polk (back left) and Nebraska Commissioner of Education Dr. Brian Maher (back right) are joined by TeamMates Mentoring CEO DeMoine Adams at the Nebraska Department of Education in early November, where they gathered to talk about their collaboration around NDE’s literacy initiative.
NCSA MISSION
The mission of the Nebraska Council of School Administrators (NCSA) is to be an effective leader for quality education and to enhance the professionalism of its members. NCSA Today is a benefit of membership in the Nebraska Council of School Administrators, 440 South 13th Street, Suite A, Lincoln, NE 68508. Telephone 402.476.8055 or 800.793.6272. Fax 402.476.7740.
Annual membership dues are $435 (active members), $125 (associate members), or $50 (student members). NCSA Today is published quarterly. Copyright ©2026 by NCSA. All rights reserved.
NCSA EXECUTIVE BOARD 2025-2026
Chair – Dr. Chris Prososki
Vice Chair – Dr. Chip Kay
Past Chair – Dr. Dan Schnoes
NASA Representatives
President – Dr. Dawn Lewis
President Elect – Dr. Heather Nebesniak
Past President – Dr. Chris Prososki
NASBO Representatives
President – Stacy Rodriguez
President Elect – Dr. Chris Loofe
Past President – Dr. Chip Kay
NAESP Representatives
President – Shelly Leyden
President Elect – Chance Waggoner
Past President – Dr. Amber Johnson
NASES Representatives
President – Shane Keeling
President Elect – Jason Hippen
Past President – Amy Kroll
NSASSP Representatives
President – Marc Kaminski
President Elect – Dr. Jay Dostal
Past President – Brian Fleischman
NCSA STAFF
Dr. Michael S. Dulaney Executive Director/Lobbyist
Dr. Troy Loeffelholz Associate Executive Director
Amy Poggenklass Finance and Membership Director
Tyler Dahlgren Communications Manager
Abbey Beardsley Event Manager
Jen Sylvester Executive Administrative Assistant
Brenda Petsch Administrative Assistant
The opinions expressed in NCSA Today or by its authors do not necessarily reflect the positions of the Nebraska Council of School Administrators.
Making a Mentor: Get SET Nebraska Serves Up Support for Special Education Teachers
B y Tyler Dahlgren, NCSA Communications Manager
Special Education teachers are, by nature, a passionate bunch. The job isn’t always a cake walk, but it can be tremendously rewarding, and they’re not in this profession by mistake.
“They come into this field, almost one hundred percent of the time, to make a difference,” said Dr. Pam Brezenski. “They are amazing teachers and they have so many great ideas.”
Before she joined the staff at ESU 13, Brezenski was a secondcareer special education teacher with a fervor for the field that’s still growing as you read this.
“When I entered education, I finally found my home,” Brezenski said. “When I entered special education, I immediately fell in love with it. I loved going to work every day, and I loved what I did.”
Through the years, though, Brezenski could sense a decline in morale from her colleagues. The culprit, be it a lack of support or a lack of resources, helped contribute to a shortage in highlyqualified special education teachers and glaring retention issues across the state.
“I wanted to help build something that could make those teachers fall in love with the field again,” said Brezenski. “Something that could help them stay passionate about this particular field so that Nebraska students have that perfect teacher with those great qualities.”
Attrition isn’t a recent phenomenon. Dr. Amanda Witte, a research associate professor with UNL’s Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families and Schools (CYFS), said the trend has been monitored for years. Attention on the issue was heightened during the pandemic.
When things started getting back to normal, CYFS, ESU 13, and the Nebraska Department of Education collaborated on a study that dove deep into what was driving special education teachers out of the field. Dr. Witte and research
assistant professor, Dr. HyeonJin Yoon, gathered data specific to Nebraska and wrote a report.
“We knew a lot from the literature about what’s contributing to teacher attrition,” said Witte. “Now we also had this data that was really specific to Nebraska that we could use to build an intervention to increase special education teacher retention, especially for teachers new to the field.”
The team secured funding for the project from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, with a subcontract from NDE, and began to build the plane as they flew it.
Get SET Nebraska was born, a shining example of sheer collaboration between the state’s largest university, a service unit in the Nebraska Panhandle, and NDE, which all bring something unique to the table, said project co-director and NDE’s assistant administrator for special education, Micki Charf.
“It really weds a lot of the strengths that we each have in common,” added Witte. “There’s a really strong evaluation component, which is what my team provides. It’s incredibly critical for students and families across the state as we retain special education teachers to meet all the needs of Nebraska’s students.”
A comprehensive mentorship and professional development program, Get SET Nebraska, is filling a tremendous need, one school leaders and stakeholders cannot afford to ignore. Getting teachers into the field is one thing. Keeping them there is another.
“We know that the first three years of a teacher’s career, they are highly susceptible and vulnerable to leaving the profession,” said Charf. “If we can get them through those first three years, the longevity rate and the likelihood of sustaining a career in education has greatly increased.”
Mentorship is the foundation of Get SET’s model. Training teachers with more experience to guide the younger generation through what can be a challenging profession, especially in those critical early years. Get SET Nebraska also includes an Administrative Leadership Academy for school leaders seeking difference-making methods to support special education staff. The Get SET team used research from the Council of Exceptional Children, the Cedar Center, and a multitude of
other national resources on the best practices for supporting special education teachers when constructing the academy. Feeling supported, for teachers and for everybody, really, is imperative to success.
“That’s what the whole program is really about,” said Brezenski, “the empowering of teachers, the empowering of administrators. If you instill people with knowledge, they’re going to be able to do better. We can’t do better if we don’t know better.”
A School District’s Perspective
For DC West Community Schools, the timing couldn’t have been better.
Their administrative team first heard of Get SET Nebraska while taking the initial steps towards implementing a formalized mentoring program in the district. The program’s focus on retention was what caught the eye of Nicki Pechous, director of student services.
“We’re a growing district with a growing Special Education program, and, having been in the special ed world for a while, I know how tight the market is and how we’re competing with everybody around the metro area for qualified special education teachers,” Pechous said.
Pechous is not wrong. The Nebraska Teacher Vacancy Survey, administered every year, revealed that special education has been the top area of shortage for five years running. For the team at DC West, who’ve used the program since it launched in 2022, Get SET Nebraska made an immediate impact.
“It was nice to have that toolkit of resources ready to hand off,” Pechous said. “It’s more productive than telling our mentor teachers, ‘Alright, mentor these new teachers who are coming right out of college, moving to a new place and don’t know what they’re in for.’ Those resources have been so valuable.”
The platform is easy to access and easy to use. Charf credits Witte and Brezenski for that.
“What we fold in from the NDE vantage point is showing how this is applicable, how this fits into a district’s continuous improvement plan,” Charf said. “If people view this as an enhancement and not just a straightaway way to boost numbers, they’re going to get so much more out of the program via relationships, via quality services and via a quality teaching staff that truly does lift each other up with that component of a very caring, supportive and knowledgeable leadership team.”
Pechous and the team at DC West are the perfect testament. Kelsey Nabity, the district’s mentor coordinator, elaborated on how simple the program is to utilize. Mentors already have a caseload of their own, students they’re tasked with
serving every day. Piling another thing on their plates would be counterproductive, she explained.
“It’s right there for them, a resource that is easily accessible and easy to use,” Nabity continued. “They essentially grab their handouts and materials and go have their conversations and discuss what they need to discuss. It allows our mentors to be the best mentors they can possibly be and our young teachers to be the best teachers they can be.”
And they can be really, really good.
“The first-year teachers we’ve had go through this process are definitely one hundred percent all in and very passionate,” said Pechous. “But it is a hard caseload. It can be a really hard job. We’re faced with a lot of challenges, so being able to support them with the mentor and from the administrative side, being able to help navigate them through those situations, it’s just crucial.”
Pechous called Get SET Nebraska the ultimate roadmap towards supporting young special education teachers and building mentors and relationships within the district. Teachers receive excellent training in college, she said, but there’s a gap between walking across the stage at graduation and taking on a full caseload.
This resource can help bridge that gap, and it’s completely free to school districts.
“The Get SET Nebraska program naturally leads to conversations
Continued on Page 7...
Project manager Dr. Pam Brezenski poses in front of an exhibitor’s booth for Get SET Nebraska, a program designed to support special education educators and launched in collaboration between ESU 13, UNL’s Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families and Schools (CYFS) and NDE.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: How ESUCC and TeamMates Joined Forces to Champion Literacy Across Nebraska
B y Tyler Dahlgren, NCSA Communications Manager
When the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) elevated literacy as the state’s top educational priority, it signaled a call for collective action. What followed was one of the most organic and impactful collaborations to emerge from the effort: a statewide partnership between the Educational Service Unit Coordinating Council (ESUCC) and TeamMates Mentoring, designed to place literacy into the heart of mentor–mentee relationships.
For Dr. Larianne Polk, CEO of ESUCC, the partnership didn’t begin in a boardroom or through a formal request from NDE. It began simply because she was already seated at the TeamMates board table.
“I get the pleasure and the honor of being on the TeamMates board,” Polk said. “In my work on the board, we’ve been able to share some of the work that the ESUs are doing with NDE.” During those conversations, TeamMates CEO DeMoine Adams mentioned that a major grant was expiring at the end of the year. As TeamMates considered reapplying, they wanted to focus more intentionally on literacy and needed a partner with statewide reach.
“He approached me and said, ‘How can we partner? Can
we do this together?’” Polk recalled. “‘You’re situated across the state, can we use the network you have in place and get training and support to the mentors?’”
From that simple ask, a statewide literacy effort began to take shape.
Nebraska Commissioner of Education Dr. Brian Maher said the partnership reflects the kind of resource alignment he hoped to see when he first stepped into his role.
“When I interviewed for this job, one of the things I talked about was tapping into all the available resources,” Maher said. “I see the ESUs being fundamental to anything we get done because of their statewide reach. TeamMates is definitely a part of that. They tap into kids in our schools all around the state.”
Literacy is both a simple and complex issue, Maher said. This partnership, he continued, peels layers off that onion, ultimately centering on the essential question: Are we emphasizing literacy with kids?
“When you have adults and you have kids and you have an opportunity to read or emphasize literacy,” Maher added, “that’s another really essential piece to that literacy puzzle.”
Maher said he was immediately encouraged when he learned Polk was involved in shaping the initiative from within the TeamMates board.
“Two different groups, but two people leading those groups that I have really high regard for,” Maher said. “Those two groups working together can only be beneficial to our state.”
Adams, a former Blackshirt who stepped into his role four years ago, views the partnership as a powerful way to empower the thousands of volunteer mentors across Nebraska.
“Mentorship impacts attendance, grades, and behavior,” Adams said. “And with that extra layer of hope, based on Gallup, the greatest indicator of academic success, we just felt that the partnership with ESUCC and NDE really shows the entire state that teamwork makes the dream work.”
Adams sees literacy as a foundational pillar of learning. The data says so, too.
Commissioner of Education Dr. Brian Maher, left, TeamMates Mentoring CEO DeMoine Adams, center, and ESUCC CEO Dr. Larianna Polk meet at NDE on Nov. 4 to discuss the partnership that developed between ESUCC and TeamMates after a statewide literacy initiative was announced.
“If students can’t read, they can’t learn,” he continued. “If they can’t count, they can’t learn. By focusing on strengthening literacy, we are going to help shape the next generation of leaders. We’re stronger together, we’re better together, and this is a true statewide effort.”
Polk said the partnership fits seamlessly within the Nebraska Reading Plan, particularly its community-reading component.
“There are five tenets to the Nebraska Reading Plan project,” Polk explained. “The fifth one is community-based reading. This fits so nicely into what NDE is planning to do already.”
The idea of mentors becoming literacy champions is one Polk believes has enormous potential.
“We don’t need Nebraskans to be reading teachers,” she said. “Just giving them opportunities to put words in front of kids is advantageous. Mentors can read instructions for a board game, look at book titles together, or even sit and write a note to a grandparent. It’s easier than we think if we empower the right folks to do the right work.”
Adams said the impact is already visible.
“What we’re doing for our mentors and our mentees is turning curriculum into conversations,” he said. “We’re helping students read out loud and they don’t even know they’re working on their reading literacy.”
Mentors and mentees are reading menus together, exploring recipes, talking through favorite movies and restaurants— creative activities layered with organic literacy practice.
Meanwhile, TeamMates has hired a staff member dedicated to supporting mentors as the initiative grows. ESUCC is helping create training opportunities and building a toolkit of literacy resources, including videos that will live permanently in the TeamMates learning management system.
“We’re really trying not for it to be just a flashpoint this year, but something that can be built on and grow,” said Polk.
Maher believes the partnership proves the power of a shared statewide goal. Nebraskans are no strangers to collaboration. In the education arena, they thrive on it.
“When you set a meaningful goal, it’s amazing how many things fall in place to help accomplish it,” he said. “The goal is to make sure kids can read and read well. What happens in the classroom matters. What happens at home matters. What happens in that TeamMates time slot matters. All of those pieces together will help us accomplish that goal.”
Polk said the collaborative spirit across Nebraska’s education community is stronger than ever. Adams agreed, noting that limited resources require creativity, alignment, and a united front.
“It’s easy to focus on the problem,” Adams said. “But this collaboration is a solution. We can inspire more community members, more Nebraskans to be a resource—by using our role to be a role model for our young people.”
And in a state that believes in neighbors helping neighbors, that might be the most Nebraska solution of all. ■
Making a Mentor: Get SET Nebraska Serves Up Support for Special Education Teachers
where you’re building collaboration as a team, between the administrator, your mentor and your new special education teacher, especially in the first few modules you do together,” Nabity said. “Therefore, when it comes to be October, November and December, when the enthusiasm tends to slide, you already have a support system in place that you can lean on.”
The mentors benefit from the experience too, a component that brings things full circle. Teachers are, by nature, lifelong learners after all.
“We’ve even had mentors in the program say, ‘Man, I wish we had this program around when we were starting out,’” Brezenski said. “And it wasn’t because these teachers don’t have gifts and skills and abilities. They do, and they do amazing things.
(Continued from Page 5)
They just needed a little extra guidance. They needed to feel like they were part of a team. For me, that’s been the biggest eye-opener. There are some amazing administrative teams and mentors out there.”
Since it was launched, more than 100 new special education teachers have been supported by Get SET Nebraska. Nearly every single one has provided positive feedback.
For the Get SET Nebraska team, that means the world. ■
Embracing a Community-Driven Pathway to Teaching
by Dr. Larianne Polk, ESUCC CEO
In the face of ongoing teacher shortages, Nebraska’s educational community is taking a proactive, collaborative approach to grow the state’s educator pipeline. Rather than relying on formal legislation, Senator Kathleen Kauth convened a broad coalition of stakeholders, from the Nebraska State College and University Systems to the Nebraska State Education Association, Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association, the ESU Coordinating Council, the Department of Education, and large districts like Omaha and Millard Public Schools. The result is a refined pathway within Nebraska’s existing alternative certification system, known as the Pathway to Educators (P2E) initiative.
The P2E initiative does not create a new certification program but defines a clearer, community-focused route within the existing framework. It offers a structured, accessible pathway for individuals already embedded in communities, those volunteering, coaching, or working in other professions, and who want to become certified teachers.
Educational Service Units (ESUs) already play a central role in connecting local school systems with supplemental educational resources such as professional learning and instructional coaching. Through their relationships with districts, ESUs are well-positioned to support both the learning and long-term development of future educators.
A Pathway for Diverse Professionals
The P2E initiative welcomes individuals from a variety of professional backgrounds who are eager to bring real-world expertise into classrooms. This pathway opens doors for experienced professionals, such as accountants who wish to teach business and finance, bankers ready to guide students in math and financial literacy, or healthcare professionals interested in teaching anatomy or biology. By connecting these individuals with structured preparation and coaching, P2E enables schools to strengthen instruction through the expertise already present in their communities.
Support Through Structured Coaching and Coaching
Each P2E pathway option includes structured coaching for new teachers during their first two years. Experienced coaches will dedicate approximately five to ten hours each week to guide, coach, and assist these new teachers as they transition into the classroom. This approach ensures that participants receive meaningful, sustained support that extends beyond initial preparation, leading to stronger teacher retention and classroom success.
Overview of Pathway Options
There are three flexible options for ESUs to engage with the P2E framework, each offering different levels of involvement and local adaptation:
Option A: Credit for Prior Learning + Clinical Experience
ESUs and school districts may collaborate with an Educator Preparation Program (EPP) to create a 6–8 week P2E Institute, providing an intensive training experience leading into the teacher’s first year. This model functions as an apprenticeship, blending pre-service preparation with two years of structured coaching.
The Educator Preparation Program (EPP) is responsible for overseeing the clinical experience supervision and ensuring all competencies meet Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) requirements for certification. ESUs and school districts provide coordination, professional development alignment, and local coaching support.
Option B: Regional Partnership or ESU-Supported Delivery
ESUs may partner with a State College System to deliver Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) coursework locally. This option blends in-person and online delivery, allowing ESUs to facilitate learning within their region while maintaining academic oversight and clinical supervision through the State Colleges.
Option C: Full MAT Program Enrollment
Candidates may enroll directly in the fully online MAT program for a more independent route. This option provides consistency and accessibility for individuals seeking an established graduate
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POLK
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785-783-5836 We can
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NCSA Hosts 19th Annual Tailgate Party Ahead of Huskers’ Game with Michigan
Red-clad NCSA members gathered at the headquarters for the 19th annual tailgate party on Sept. 20, enjoying good food, cold beverages, and great company before Nebraska’s football game against the Michigan Wolverines. Event sponsors
included Cash-Wa Distributing, Cheever Construction, Facility Advocates, National Insurance Services, and Lakeland. NCSA thanks everybody who stopped by and the sponsors who made the event possible. Go Big Red! ■
Embracing a Community-Driven Pathway to Teaching (Continued from Page 8)
pathway into teaching, with all certification and supervision handled directly by the EPP.
Looking Ahead: Next Steps
In the months ahead, ESUs will identify the specific needs of their districts and explore development of a six- to eightweek P2E Institute by the summer of 2026. The goal is to be ready to support interested districts in implementing the P2E pathway by that fall.
Each partnership will be developed collaboratively, with the Educator Preparation Program responsible for clinical supervision and certification verification, and ESUs providing coordination, coaching, and professional learning supports aligned to local needs.
As this work evolves, ESUs will continue to collaborate with
districts, the Department of Education, and EPP partners to align competencies, coaching expectations, and implementation supports.
Special appreciation is extended to Senator Kathleen Kauth for her leadership in bringing Nebraska’s educational partners together in such an intentional way. Her commitment to collaboration and creative problem-solving has opened new opportunities for individuals to become teachers and for communities to benefit from a stronger, more accessible pathway into the profession.
Educational Service Units remain committed to advancing this shared work, bridging local talent, educator preparation, and coaching to ensure Nebraska classrooms are filled with dedicated, community-grown educators. ■
Membership gathered outside the offices for the 19th Annual NCSA Tailgate Party prior to Nebraska’s game against Michigan on Sept. 20. Here, Chair Dr. Chris Prososki welcomes attendees and gives thanks to the event sponsors.
The NCSA Tailgate came with all the staples, including a barbeque lunch provided by Cash-Wa Distributing Co. and live music from the UNL Alumni Pep Band.
The Importance of Collaboration and Self-Care
Stacy Rodriguez, NASBO President
Every school year has challenges, and, in my 16th year of education, I’ve come to learn that it is always something different. This is why I love education. I love being able to help my school district succeed and learning how to navigate the challenges of funding each school year and watching the puzzle pieces fit together. The two most important things I have learned along the way are the power of collaboration and self-care. Without collaboration, I would be stuck in a silo, not knowing what the other challenges someone in my district is facing and how we could help one another. In a school district, we must constantly work with different departments to achieve the main goal of education: to serve students and give them the best education opportunities. It not only happens in a school district but also among other affiliates.
The new collaboration between the NASES-NASBO Special Education Finance Webinar Series is a great example of two affiliates working together to help school districts understand Special Education finance and how important it is to understand Special Education and the funding that goes into reporting. Both affiliates are learning from each other by bringing together two different worlds and working to understand how it can benefit each affiliate. The power of collaboration is sometimes underestimated, because if done correctly, it can bring two different perspectives and create a smoother process than if we were working separately. Being a part of this collaboration has taught me that the power of working together is stronger than working alone. It does not matter if someone knows more than you; that should not be a threat. What matters is working together for a common goal and getting the job done correctly.
It takes a team to truly overcome the challenges and obstacles that are encountered each year. Never stop asking those questions and learning from others. Curiosity can inspire others to think differently, and that is when the ideas start flowing. Collaboration almost always sparks innovation, and, in a world where everything can look so black and white, innovation is needed to move your organization forward. My superintendent
always tells us that teachers are the engineers of belief, and we must uphold that in our meetings as well as when making tough decisions. When collaborating, the ideas start to flow and can truly change the ability of an organization to use resources in a way that helps your district to continue to grow.
The second most important thing I have learned along the way is how important self-care truly is. I always thought ensuring my own well-being was selfish and putting others before myself was a necessary sacrifice. That was such a lie. I learned quickly that burnout is real and can be detrimental to your mental and physical health. You cannot pour from an empty cup and expect to help others to your fullest potential. The school finance world can be very stressful and hard. You must be able to withstand the pressures of cash flow, facilities, and funding. Taking care of yourself first, which could be a spa day, reading a book, or just taking time for yourself, can boost your mental and physical health. You can prevent burnout by regularly practicing self-care and ensuring you have the energy and resources to handle daily demands without becoming depleted. Your team needs you to take care of yourself before anything else, so you can continue to make those tough decisions in the school finance world. I promise you will feel better and energized to take on the pressures of work. Do not be hard on yourselves, and know the most important person you need to take care of is yourself.
In conclusion, I have learned many things over the years, but collaboration and self-care are the ones that rise to the top. When given the opportunity to collaborate, team members can freely share information and ideas, which can lead to innovation, creativity, and improved quality of work. Success is a team effort, and collaboration is needed to drive the success of your organization. Lastly, self-care is vital. There is just one you, and that is the most important person to take care of to give your best self to others. I know that I still have many things to learn; there are a lot of things I don’t know yet, but I wanted to share what has helped me so far in this career that I love. I am grateful I get to wake up every day to a career that I love. I hope you have a great rest of your school year. ■
RODRIGUEZ
NASES Announces Distinguished Special Education Administrator Award Recipient
The Nebraska Association of Special Education Supervisors has selected Dr. McKayla LaBorde, Executive Director of Student Services at ESU 3, as the 2025 recipient of the Distinguished Special Education Administrator Award.
LaBorde, who accepted the award at the NASES Fall Conference in September, has been in education for 25 years. She began her career as a resource teacher and student council advisor at Nellie Coffman Middle School in Palm Springs, CA. LaBorde, who earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from UNL in 2000, returned to Nebraska in 2009 to serve as the program facilitator for behavior programs at Millard Public Schools, a role she spent four years in. From 2013-2017, LaBorde was the Supervisor of Secondary Special Services for Papillion-La Vista Community Schools. She assumed her current role in June of 2017.
Dr. LaBorde previously served on the NCSA Executive Board from 2020-2024, and was NASES president from 2021-2022. She was the NASES Outstanding New Member recipient in 2019, and is an active leader in several professional organizations who collaborated extensively with education leaders across the state.
Said Megan Harding, Early Childhood Special Education Coordinator at ESU 3, “One of McKayla’s most significant impacts is her unwavering support of both new and veteran special education administrators. She mentors with a unique blend of encouragement and high expectations, ensuring that every leader she supports is growing, reflective, and focused on outcomes for children. Her approachability and knowledge make her an essential thought partner, and her influence has elevated the quality of services for students with disabilities across the region and state.”
Jen Pollock, Director of Student Services and Special Education with Ralston Public Schools, added “Innovation is at the heart of Dr. LaBorde’s work. She has pioneered exemplary programs for students with significant disabilities, such as Brooke Valley North and South, ensuring that each student receives individualized, evidence-based support. McKayla’s compassionate and visionary leadership, innovative spirit, systems thinking and commitment to maximizing the strengths of her team make her an outstanding candidate for this award. Her impact on
special education in Nebraska is profound and lasting.”
Congratulations to Dr. McKayla LaBorde, the 2025 recipient of the Distinguished Special Education Administrator Award! ■
NAESP Announces National Distinguished Principal From Nebraska
by Jenn True, NAESP Public Relations Representative
Mrs. Josie Floyd, Elementary Principal at Gothenburg Public Schools (Dudley Elementary), has been recognized as the Nebraska Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) Nebraska Distinguished Principal for 2025. This prestigious honor highlights Mrs. Floyd’s 21 years of service as an elementary principal across two progressive Nebraska districts, including 17 years in Sutherland and her current four years in Gothenburg. Mrs. Floyd is also a recipient of the 2025 NCSA Distinguished Service Award.
Mrs. Floyd’s philosophy is rooted in the foundational truth that relationships are the bedrock of educational success. She is known for her accessibility and intentionality, striving to learn every student’s name and their family members' names. For the past 21 years, she has visibly greeted students at the door nearly every morning, a practice that has included well over 500,000 handshakes, high fives, or hugs, creating connections of trust and belonging.
Under her leadership, Gothenburg Public Schools has cultivated a solutions-oriented, high-performing school culture focused equally on positive behavior and academic growth. Mrs. Floyd helped coordinate "The Swede Way" Committee to implement a positive behavior framework for grades K-6th. This commitment to a supportive environment is evidenced by the over 38,687 "Swede Tickets" distributed by staff last year and more than 250 positive phone calls shared with students' special people.
In terms of instructional success, Mrs. Floyd has partnered with educators to maintain a strong system utilizing data to meet the diverse academic and social/emotional needs of students. An intentional focus on staff professional development in the Science of Reading has shown significant results; K-3rdgrade students achieved 73% proficiency on DIBELS this past spring (a three-year high), with the current 1st-grade class now demonstrating 89% proficiency.
Mrs. Floyd’s commitment extends into the community through
FLOYD
LABORDE
multiple successful family initiatives, including the "One School One Book" program, annual Family Night events, Swede Branch Bank, and the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge. This challenge has resulted in 30,240 books being read and documented to children in the Gothenburg community through a collaborative effort with the Gothenburg Public Library. Furthermore, she serves as the school liaison on the Impact Center Board.
Superintendent Allison Jonas noted Mrs. Floyd’s impact, stating, "Mrs. Floyd is a passionate, student-centered leader whose impact extends well beyond her building through her advocacy for education at the state and national level." Jonas added that Mrs. Floyd is a leader who holds high expectations, modeling the pursuit of excellence and ensuring "every child deserves the very best education."
Mrs. Floyd has also been recognized for her advocacy, service, and professional growth beyond her school walls. She has served for many years at the regional and state levels within the NAESP organization, which has allowed her to advocate for public education and educators at the national level in Washington, DC. She currently serves as Region IV President (2025-present) and was a member of the NCSA Legislative Committee (2018-2024). She has also participated in the NCSA's Networking With New Principals program as a mentor for numerous years.
Mrs. Floyd will be presented with a plaque for the Distinguished Principal Award at the annual Principals Conference in December. Her leadership has been previously recognized with honors including the NRCSA Outstanding Principal Award (2016-2017) and the NAESP Region V Distinguished Principal of the Year (2012-2013, 2013-2014).
About Mrs. Josie Floyd
Josie Floyd serves as the Elementary Principal at Gothenburg Public Schools, overseeing the success and well-being of a 400+ student body. She holds an Education Specialist degree from Wayne State College, a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Doane College, and a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Doane College. She has professional endorsements, including Superintendent PK-12 and Principal PK-12. ■
NAESP Announces Outstanding New Principal of the Year by
Jenn True, NAESP Public Relations Representative
The Nebraska Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) has named Mrs. Kimberly Roberts, Principal of Central Elementary in Fairbury Public Schools, the 2025 NAESP Outstanding New Principal. This honor recognizes early-career principals who have demonstrated exemplary leadership, a strong commitment to student success, and significant contributions to their school communities.
Since beginning her tenure as principal, Mrs. Roberts has played a pivotal role in shaping a positive, student-centered culture at Central Elementary. Her leadership is distinguished by a deep understanding of child development, a commitment to high-quality instruction, and a passion for building strong relationships with students, staff, and families. Drawing on her extensive background in special education, behavior intervention, and instructional coaching, she has implemented systems and practices that have resulted in measurable improvements in both academic support and student behavior.
One of the most notable accomplishments under Mrs. Roberts’ leadership has been the successful implementation of a comprehensive Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). Through consistent modeling, coaching, and structured interventions, Mrs. Roberts helped reduce major and minor behavior incidents in her school by 50 percent, while also achieving a more than 90 percent decrease in the use of the Alternate Learning Environment. Her creation of “The Jeff Den,” a calming space designed for student regulation and reflection, has served as a model for classroom-level interventions that teachers have since adopted. These efforts have contributed to a dramatic improvement in school culture and overall student well-being.
Mrs. Roberts’ leadership extends well beyond behavior support. She has guided the development and alignment of curriculum through her role as Math Chair on the district’s Curriculum Leadership Institute (CLI) and has played a key part in implementing districtwide Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). She is known for setting high expectations while ensuring teachers have the tools, training, and support necessary to deliver effective, research-based instruction. Through her involvement in the NAESP Early Childhood Leadership Academy and statewide Rule 11 and CLSD initiatives, she has
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strengthened early learning practices that benefit the district’s youngest learners.
Beyond her contributions to instruction and school systems, Mrs. Roberts is committed to building meaningful relationships with families and engaging the broader community. She leads the Central Elementary Social Committee to foster staff morale, supports families through the Central Elementary Food Market outreach program, and remains an active volunteer and community member. Her communication with parents is consistently described as clear, responsive, and supportive, creating a welcoming environment where families feel engaged and valued. ■
NSASSP Announces Outstanding New Principal of the Year
by Ben Jones, NSASSP Public Relations
The Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals has selected Matt Flynn as the 2025-2026 Outstanding New Principal of the Year. This award is presented annually to a principal who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in their school, region, and state. The winner has demonstrated their enthusiasm for the Principalship and has support from students, parents, teachers, and peers.
Mr. Flynn received his Bachelor of Science in Education from UNL in 2002. He later earned a Master’s of Education in Instructional Technology and Educational Administration from UNK. Mr. Flynn has been in education since 2002. He started his career as a social studies teacher at Ashland-Greenwood Middle School. In 2008, he moved into the Technology Integration Specialist position. Finally, in 2021, he transitioned into the Middle School Principal position at Ashland-Greenwood Middle School, where he continues to lead and serve. During his principalship, he has been a member of NCSA, NSASSP, and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) for four years.
Mr. Jason Libal, Superintendent of Ashland-Greenwood Public Schools, praised Mr. Flynn by stating, “I believe Mr. Flynn's greatest strength to be his uncanny ability to build powerful and positive relationships with those around him. This not only pertains to his students, but also to his peers. Matt has an ability
and knack to make those around him feel comfortable. I believe this is due in part to his infectious and warm personality. This is especially true for his students. Matt's students enjoy their learning experiences and working with Mr. Flynn in various capacities.” He continues by saying, “A second tremendous strength that Mr. Flynn holds is his 'whatever it takes' attitude. Matt does not shy away from a challenge. Instead, he takes on challenges head-on and with great vigor. He is willing to go the extra mile to ensure the success of his students and his building.”
Kendra Craven, a parent and community member of AshlandGreenwood Public Schools, added, “Another quality that makes Mr. Flynn exceptional is his reflective and forward-looking approach. He consistently considers how decisions will affect students' learning, staff development, and family engagement. He communicates openly and listens thoughtfully, ensuring parents feel welcomed into the process and valued as partners in education. That openness has built trust and strengthened the bond between school and community.”
Mr. Flynn humbly shared that he has been at AshlandGreenwood Public Schools for twenty-three years, his wife is an alum of the district, and their three daughters go to school there. He added, “While I am humbled by this award, it is truly more about the staff, students, and the Ashland-Greenwood community. I’m thankful every day to be a Bluejay!”
Congratulations to Matt Flynn, the 2026 Outstanding New Principal of the Year! ■
NSASSP Announces High School Principal of the Year by Ben
Jones, NSASSP Public Relations
The Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals has selected Johnnie Ostermeyer as the 2026 High School Principal of the Year. This award is presented annually to a high school principal who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in their school, region, and state. The award honors principals who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of personal excellence, collaboration, leadership, curriculum, instruction, assessment, and personalization.
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CREATING ENVIROMENTS THAT FORM PEOPLE.
NSASSP Announces High School Principal of the Year (Continued from Page 16)
Ostermeyer has served in education since 2003. He began his career teaching math at Woodbury Central School District in Iowa and later at South Sioux City Community Schools. In 2013, he transitioned into administration as the Assistant Principal and Activities Director at Pierce High School. In 2015, he became the Secondary Principal at Crofton High School, where he continues to lead with distinction.
He has been a member of NCSA, NSASSP, and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) for 12 years. Additionally, Mr. Ostermeyer has served as the NSASSP Region III President. Ostermeyer earned his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education, Master’s Degree in Secondary Administration, and Educational Specialist Degree, all from Wayne State College.
Mark Wragge, Superintendent of Crofton Community School, praised Ostermeyer by saying, “Mr. Ostermeyer has high expectations for himself, his students, and his faculty. Beneath the commitment, the motivation, the consistency, the leadership, and the community involvement is an expectation Mr. Ostermeyer has placed on himself to do the best he can. It shows in what he has accomplished and by the example he sets for his staff.” He added, “There are always tough student and personnel decisions in every school district. However, Mr. Ostermeyer demonstrates a higher level of leadership by seeking the advice of fellow administrators, listening to stakeholders, and then making a decision. Most importantly, he owns those decisions. This is something everyone can respect.”
Courtney Baker, a teacher at Crofton High School, shared, “One of his greatest strengths is the support he provides for our school's activities and athletics. He is a constant presence at events, not only cheering on our students but also demonstrating that their hard work and dedication matter beyond the classroom. His commitment fosters a school spirit that unites students, staff, and families.” She added, “In short, Johnnie Ostermeyer is a principal who leads with integrity, positivity, and a genuine dedication to students and staff alike. His leadership has made Crofton High School a place where excellence in academics, activities, and athletics is not only expected but achieved.”
Sophia Wortmann, a student at Crofton Community School, stated, “Mr. O has an optimistic outlook on anything and everything. He never focuses on the past and always looks to the future on how to improve. This is one of the many reasons he is an excellent educational leader. This year, our school started "Warrior Families" which are groups of students, educators, and staff who get together to practice leadership
skills. I love this idea and hope that our younger students can learn a lot about leadership and positive relationships.”
Congratulations to Johnnie Ostermeyer, the 2026 High School Principal of the Year! ■
NSASSP Announces High School Assistant Principal of the Year by Ben Jones, NSASSP Public Relations
The Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals has selected Dr. Kristyn Jones as the 20252026 High School Assistant Principal of the Year. This award is presented annually to a high school assistant principal who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in their school, region, and state. The winner has demonstrated their enthusiasm for the principalship and has support from students, parents, teachers, and peers.
Dr. Jones received her Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education, Master of Science in Leadership Education, and Doctor of Philosophy in Education and Human Sciences from UNL. She started her career at Norris School District 160 as the agricultural education instructor. She was in this role from 2001 to 2021. In 2021, she transitioned into her current role as the Assistant Principal at Norris High School. During her time in administration, she has been a member of NCSA, NSASSP, and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) for the past five years.
Nate Seggermann, Principal at Norris High School, praised Dr. Jones by stating, “One of Dr. Jones's most notable accomplishments has been her leadership in spearheading our Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) initiatives. These programs have greatly enhanced the academic and behavioral outcomes for our students, creating a more supportive and structured environment in which both students and staff can thrive.”
Sarah Harms, teacher at Norris High School, shared, “Dr. Jones is the lead administrator on our school MTSS committee and recently presented with two of our staff members at the Nebraska MTSS Conference. This committee meets often to look at data and discuss ways to best support students in the high school. In terms of supporting staff, Dr. Jones is available when we have questions or concerns. She is willing to listen
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and offer advice when we seek assistance or guidance.”
Medea Henke, parent in the Norris School District, shared her perspective on Dr. Jones by saying, “Throughout my child's time at Norris, Dr. Kristyn Jones has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive environment where all students feel valued and supported. Her approachable demeanor and open-door policy has made it easy for parents to communicate concerns, ask questions, or simply share feedback, knowing that our voices will be heard and respected.”
Mackenzie Kohmetscher, a student in the Norris School district, shared her thoughts on Dr. Jones, by stating, “I think that Dr Jones deserves the state NSASSP Assistant Principal of the Year Award. She helped me grow as a person and helped me get through a really hard time in my life. I truly believe she deserves this award.”
Congratulations to Dr. Kristyn Jones for her selection as the High School Assistant Principal of the Year for the state of Nebraska! ■
NSASSP Announces Distinguished Service Award Recipient
by Ben Jones, NSASSP Public Relations
Patrick Moore has been selected as the recipient of the Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals Distinguished Service Award.
Moore received his undergraduate education from Doane University, where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences and History in 2003. He also received his Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction in 2006, his Master of Education in Educational Leadership in 2011, and his Master of Education in Education Specialist in 2017 from Doane University.
Moore is currently serving as junior high and high school principal at Blue Hill Community Schools and has been in this role since 2015. Prior to this role, Mr. Moore was the PK-12 Principal at Brunning Davenport USD and a Social Studies Instructor at Creighton Public School. Moore has been active in many professional organizations, such as NCSA, NSASSP, and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) for 15 years. During this time, he has held many leadership positions in NSASSP Region IV, NSASSP State Board, and NCSA Executive Board. Mr. Moore has been awarded the NSASSP Region I
Principal of the Year in 2014, the NSASSP Region IV Principal of the Year in 2019, the NSASSP State Principal of the Year in 2021, and the Region IV Distinguished Service Award in 2025.
Mrs. Kaitlin Wright, teacher at Blue Hill Community Schools, shared, “Throughout his tenure, Patrick has demonstrated sustained leadership in every aspect of his role. Whether addressing the student body, leading professional development with staff, meeting with parents, or representing the district in the community, he models composure, empathy, and purpose. He has built a culture of approachability and trust within our high school—a place where students and staff alike feel valued, supported, and heard.”
Mr. Ben Jones, former teacher at Blue Hill Community Schools, stated, “Mr. Moore is a leader. He communicates well with all stakeholders and does a great job sharing his vision. He understands the dynamics of pushing people to be better and celebrating successes along the way. Additionally, he holds staff and students accountable and sets the bar high in terms of expectations. Mr. Moore has a unique way of pushing you to be better without micromanaging the situation. This is something I really appreciated. He is also a leader outside of his district. He is involved in multiple organizations and plays leadership roles in many of them. His knowledge and skill set have helped these groups advocate for kids and staff in Nebraska.”
Carter Auten, a former student at Blue Hill Community Schools, shares his experiences with Mr. Moore by sharing, “What stands out most about Mr. Moore is how much he truly advocates for every student, both near and far. Every decision he makes is centered around what's best for us, our learning, our well-being, and our future. Whether it was adjusting programs, expanding career and technical opportunities, or making sure every student had the resources they needed, he always put students first.”
Congratulations to Patrick Moore for being selected as the recipient of the NSASSP Distinguished Service Award! ■
NSASSP Announces the 2026 Middle School Principal of the Year
by Ben Jones, NSASSP Public Relations
The Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals has selected Mr. Troy Mach as the 2026 Middle School Principal of the Year. This award is presented annually to a Middle School Principal who has demonstrated outstanding leadership at the school, region, and state levels. The award honors principals who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of personal excellence, collaboration, leadership, curriculum,
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NSASSP Announces High School Principal of the Year
(Continued from Page 19)
instruction, assessment, and personalization.
Mr. Mach earned his Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from UNL, followed by a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Wayne State College and a Master’s Degree in PK–12 Administration from Concordia University. Mr. Mach has served in education since 1996. He began his career as an elementary teacher at Winnebago Public School before moving into junior high and middle school teaching roles at Humphrey Public School and Clarkson Public School. In 2015, he transitioned into administration as the Principal of Alliance Middle School, where he has continued to lead with distinction.
He has been a member of NCSA for 11 years and has served in NSASSP for 10 years. Additionally, Mr. Mach serves as the NSASSP Region V Secretary/Treasurer for multiple years.
Dr. Troy Unzicker, superintendent at Alliance Public Schools, praised Mr. Mach by saying, “Troy is an excellent administrator. He has brought a positive climate change to the middle school building during his years with us. He has a very professional yet fun attitude. I have truly enjoyed seeing him progress throughout the year within his building, both with students and staff. The middle school has progressed from a "needs improvement" school to "good" and then to "great" under his tenure.” He added, “I am amazed at his dedication to the students of Alliance. I know he has a sincere interest and strong desire to be a leading administrator. This is evident in his strong work ethic.”
Mrs. Danielle Swanson, a teacher at Alliance Middle School, shared, “Mr. Mach is a strong instructional leader who places student achievement and well-being at the heart of every decision. He has implemented effective strategies to improve academic outcomes, foster a positive school culture, and support teacher development through professional learning opportunities and mentorship.” She added, “Equally important, he is approachable, collaborative, and able to balance high expectations with genuine compassion and support.”
Isabella Edmonston, a student at Alliance Public Schools, shared her perspective of Mr. Mach by saying, “I feel that I can always go to Mr. Mach with any issues I may have. He has
always seemed fair in dealing with any disciplinary actions. Even though he can be busy, he always finds time to visit with students. He is just a really nice guy.”
Mr. Mach expressed his gratitude by stating, "I am deeply honored to be named the NSASSP Middle School Principal of the year. Thank you to the Region V NSASSP for their nomination and their support over the last several years. I had better thank my wife also for following me throughout my career, especially back in 2015 when we moved to this foreign land called Western Nebraska, which we have grown to love. This award is due to the hard work of my incredible staff, impressive students, and amazing district leadership team, who have shown that when we all move in the same direction, there is no barrier we can't break through."
Congratulations to Troy Mach, the 2026 Middle School Principal of the Year! ■
NSASSP Announces the 2025-2026 Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year by Ben Jones, NSASSP Public Relations
The Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals has selected Mrs. Erin Jones as the 20252026 Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year. This award is presented annually to a Middle School Assistant Principal who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in their school, region, and state. The winner has demonstrated their enthusiasm for the principalship and has support from students, parents, teachers, and peers.
Mrs. Jones received her Bachelor of Science, Education Specialist Degree in School Psychology, and Master of Educational Administration from the University of NebraskaKearney. She started her career at the Sandhills Educational Services Cooperative in 2013 as a school psychologist. In 2019, she took a similar position at Grand Island Public Schools, and in 2022, she transitioned into administration as the Assistant Principal of Sunrise Middle School in Kearney, where she has continued to serve and lead.
During her time in administration, she has been a member of NCSA, NSASSP and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) for the past four years.
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NSASSP Announces the 2025-2026 Middle School
Assistant Principal of the Year (Continued from Page 20)
Additionally, she is the current NSASSP Region IV President.
Mark Johnson, Principal at Sunrise Middle School, praised Mrs. Jones by saying, “One of Erin's greatest strengths is her ability to use data in ways that make a real difference. I've watched her dig into numbers, spot trends, and turn them into strategies that help both students and staff succeed.” He added, “I've also seen how well Erin handles student discipline. She is fair, consistent, and compassionate, always making sure students feel both accountable and supported.”
Kiley Bertrand, teacher at Sunrise Middle School, shared her perspective on Mrs. Jones, stating, “Mrs. Jones has brought new energy to SMS. On any given day, she can be seen and heard giving shout-outs to staff or students via the intercom, high-fiving kids while building relationships in the hallways, leading cheers
with a group of students at football games, and engaging staff and students in fun team-building activities.”
Maddox Otto, a student at Kearney Public Schools, shared, “Mrs. Jones has an ability to get to know students on an individual level. I feel seen at my school and have personally experienced her willingness to listen and check in. She makes a habit of connecting with each of us individually in the hallways and lunchroom. She has a genuine concern for EVERY student's experience, well-being, and success.”
Congratulations to Mrs. Erin Jones for her selection as the Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year for the state of Nebraska! ■
October is National Principals Month in Nebraska
Leadership from NSASSP and NAESP visited the Capitol on the afternoon of Oct. 14, where Governor Jim Pillen signed a proclamation declaring October National Principals Month in Nebraska. Nebraska principals were represented by NSASSP past president Brian Fleischman, president Marc Kaminski, president-elect Chance Waggoner and NAESP president Shelly Leyden, who spoke briefly before the proclamation was signed. ■
Principals Shelly Leyden, Chance Waggoner, Brian Fleischman, and Marc Kaminski make the short walk from the NCSA Headquarters to the State Capitol, where Governor Jim Pillen signed a proclamation declaring October National Principals Month in Nebraska.
NSASSP and NAESP leadership visited the Capitol on Oct. 14 for a Governor’s Proclamation declaring October National Principals Month in Nebraska. Pictured left to right are Brian Fleischman, Marc Kaminski, Chance Waggoner, Shelly Leyden, and Governor Jim Pillen.
Contact our ambassador, Kevin Wingard, at Kevin@ncsa.org to schedule him to attend a workshop, group meeting, civic meeting, region meeting, or faculty meeting.
The Nebraska Public School Advantage
The NPSA works in collaboration with the Nebraska Council of School Administrators (NCSA) to promote the amazing success stories within our Nebraska public schools. The NCSA Ambassador Program was created to share the success of our public schools and encourage others to contribute their stories.
We collect and highlight these multifaceted success stories and travel to all corners of the state to collect and promote these stories both big and small taking place in our public schools. We focus on stories of exemplary leadership and innovative education practices to educate, motivate and inspire educators and the communities they serve.
The transformational power of public education is no secret to those who work within it, but it can go unnoticed outside the classroom. Please help us share and promote the wonderful things happening in our public schools.
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March 11
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April 23-24
June 24-26
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Aug. 6
Aug. 13
Sept. 10-11
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Sept. 29-30
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Emerging Administrators' 2026 – NCSA Office – Lincoln
NASES Legislative Conference – Cornhusker Hotel – Lincoln
Government Relations Information Teams (GRIT) – NCSA Office – Lincoln or Virtual
Celebrating Women in Leadership – Holiday Inn – Kearney
NASES Spring Workshop – Embassy Suites – La Vista
NASBO State Convention – Embassy Suites – Lincoln
Educators Academy for Legislative Advocacy – NCSA Office – Lincoln
Administrators’ Days 2026 – YCC North – Kearney
Business Manager Training – NCSA Office – Lincoln or Virtual
Preparing for Student Legal Issues – NCSA Office – Lincoln or Virtual
NASES Fall Conference – Embassy Suites – Lincoln
School Law – NCSA Office – Lincoln or Virtual
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Educator's Academy for Legislative Advocacy – NCSA Office – Lincoln
Labor Relations – Embassy Suites – Lincoln
*Region meeting dates can be found on the NCSA website.
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ASBO – Pittsburgh, PA
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