Celebrating Omaha Public Schools Staff

Each and every role at Omaha Public Schools makes a difference for our students as we prepare them for success in college, career and life.

Our staff's dedication and ethic of care make us #OPSProud!

Ethic of Care

Columbian Elementary staff members Kara Morin, instructional facilitator, and Molly Edick, first grade teacher, helped a family find answers for their student.

"This is my reminder of why I do this every day...this is what you're in it for is to help in those moments where you think, 'what can I do?' And that's it. Right there. Just making sure you have an impact."

Award-Winning Staff

A HUGE round of applause for Buffett Middle ESL teacher Lee Perez for winning the Horace Mann Award for Teaching Excellence! Perez is one of five educators to receive this honor.

Staff Spotlight

Cory Bugiel, Franklin Elementary student teacher

"You're getting that hands-on experience which is really important when it comes to teaching.”

Staff Spotlight

Amy Berry uses her life experiences to inspire students to never give up on themselves. As a Positive Action Center paraprofessional at McMillan Middle, she advocates for the importance of asking for help.

“I want to show kids it’s OK not to know. It’s OK to raise your hand. It’s OK to get help.”

Award-Winning Staff

Jefferson Elementary teacher Lisa Moody is among the best teachers in the nation! Join the celebration of her Milken Award for educational excellence.

Staff Spotlight

Elijah Simmons, Belvedere Elementary assistant principal

“I became an assistant principal because I wanted to have an impact, not just in the classroom, but schoolwide. One of the awesome things [about my role] is seeing how everything works in supporting our students. And that helps me make more informed decisions.”

Staff Spotlight

Jean Hine, Standing Bear Elementary health paraprofessional

“The kids are my favorite part of the job. I want them to feel comfortable coming into the nurse’s office.”

Staff Spotlight

Counselors, including Mark Nissen of Bryan High, support students with academics and problem-solving, helping them develop the skills that define our Portrait of a Graduate.

Ethic of Care

This Jefferson Elementary pup puts a pep in students' and staff's steps! Meet Katie, a Goldendoodle, a trained therapy dog who helps with the emotional needs of those at school.

Strong Leadership

Wakonda Principal Erin Blaha was a college athlete whose competitive spirit and dedication are an excellent fit for her new role.

Award-Winning Staff

Congratulations to Bryan High Principal Rony Ortega, Ed.D. Dr. Ortega received the Nebraska School Counselor Association's Administrator of the Year Award for his support of Bryan High's school counseling program.

Staff Spotlight

Marlin Moore, relief engineer

“My favorite part of the job is working with engineers across our district. You really get to see how different schools function and can use their best practices in other buildings.”

Staff Spotlight

Benson High art teacher Astra Patterson has advocated for the art program for five decades by showcasing her students’ creativity, mentoring new teachers and evolving her skills as an artist.

Staff Spotlight

Belle Ryan Elementary paraprofessional Kayla Hurlbutt thrives on her interactions with students. She supports students with kindness and compassion to meet their daily needs. Every day is a new and exciting challenge for her.

Ethic of Care

Decorations, lights and flowers fill Yvonne Johnson’s school bus. It shows the 25-year Omaha Public Schools veteran’s above-and-beyond care for our children.

Award-Winning Staff

Congratulations to Omaha Public Schools educator Kendall Lewis. Mr. Lewis received the 2nd Congressional District Outstanding Teacher Award from the Nebraska Council for the Social Studies!

Staff Spotlight

Dani McCaul, Oak Valley Elementary cafeteria manager

“I’m proud to be a lunch lady. We are feeding future astronauts, presidents and zoologists.”

Staff Spotlight

Each morning custodian Maria Martinez ensures Morton Middle is ready for staff and students. From the hallways to the front of the building, she takes pride in keeping the school safe and clean.

“Every school needs a Maria. She is friendly, dedicated, reliable, hardworking and will do anything she can to support Panther Nation!”

- Julie Gall, assistant principal

Ethic of Care

Kelsey Christensen is one of many student teachers who joined our district mid-year. She completed her student teaching at Jefferson Elementary.

Award-Winning Staff

Congratulations to Marrs Middle librarian Doug Keel. He was recently named the Nebraska School Librarians Association (NSLA) Librarian of the Year. Watch our district surprise Mr. Keel with the award.

Staff Spotlight

Every role at Omaha Public Schools supports students in their education. Belvedere Elementary's custodian Berwyn Jefferson is an excellent example of that. Aside from his daily work, kids share their grades and celebrate what they're learning with him.

Staff Spotlight

Kim Wiseman, Central Park Elementary fifth grade teacher

“I like the varied opportunities a large school district can provide students. You can be active in so many different clubs, from singing, chess, debate, sports and robotics. There is space for everyone to find their place.”

Staff Spotlight

Libraries throughout Omaha Public Schools offer a place for students to read and so much more. Prairie Wind Elementary librarian Lucie Ripley says they also provide hands-on learning experiences.

Staff Spotlight

Liz Casey, Monroe Middle social worker

“Social workers are a jack-of-all-trades. We help kids with schoolwork, mental health and behavior resources, we offer food, hygiene and clothing assistance, among many other services.”

Strong Leadership

Minne Lusa Elementary Principal MeLitta Wilson knows the importance of showing appreciation for her staff and students to build lasting relationships.

Award-Winning Staff

Omaha Public Schools psychologist Beth Wells, Ph.D., received the Founders Award from the Nebraska School Psychologist Association. Dr. Wells serves students at Gomez Heritage Elementary, Picotte Elementary and Washington Elementary. Way to go, Dr. Wells!

Staff Spotlight

With more than a decade of experience, Omaha Public Schools bus driver Pam Johnson says the most rewarding part of her job is the children she serves. In addition to her driver certification, she completed safety training, including CPR and first aid.

Staff Spotlight

Archie Lee, King Elementary head engineer

“It’s important to me to show up every day and do my part for the staff and students. They all deserve to have a nice space to work and learn.”

Ethic of Care

A friendly smile, wave and hello helps students start their day on the right foot at Walnut Hill Elementary each morning. Counselor Jacqueline Hotz greets every student by name when they arrive.

Ethic of Care

When a furry feline wandered onto campus at McMillan Middle, he made friends with more than just the students. See how Mac the cat won secretary Gretchen Brouhard's heart and a place in her home.

Staff Spotlight

Sara Tingelhoff, Dundee Elementary instructional facilitator

"Seeing students develop their skills and be excited about the things they were learning is gratifying.”

Staff Spotlight

Sheri Vollmer, King Science & Technology Middle BSP teacher

“The growth students have through a musical process is amazing. Many start thinking they can’t and at the end are surprised at their own ability.”

Award-Winning Staff

National honors for Benson High teacher Rhonda Sherman! She is one of five teachers nationwide recognized by the ACE Mentor Program for connecting students with architecture, construction and engineering careers.

Staff Spotlight

South High vocal music director Tyler Gruttemeyer inspires the Ambassadors show choir to build a performance that reflects their shared passions and vibrant community.

“I do this because we have incredible kids, an incredible district and an incredible community in South Omaha.”

Staff Spotlight

Ben Yosief, Davis Middle paraprofessional

“Kids are our future. We are helping them build their foundation.”

Staff Spotlight

As the Dodge Elementary secretary, Rhonda Archer does her part in promoting positive behaviors.

“I’ve loved every role in Omaha Public Schools. My goal is to help kids be positive and feel safe in school.”

Ethic of Care

A friendly "hello" and warm welcome make a huge difference each morning. Thank you Catlin Elementary security officer Stanley Pfeiffer for making our students feel at home.

Strong Leadership

Learn how Catlin Elementary Principal Tyler Hottovy uses music as an educational tool.

"I love that the children just come in ready to go, ready to be in school. There's so much excitement about what we do."

Award-Winning Staff

Excellence in Education: Rose Hill Elementary Principal Abby Fehr is a 2022 Inspire Award winner! It recognizes an educator who makes a difference in the lives of women or girls, contributing to our local community and nonprofits, encouraging colleagues and sharing skills for the benefit of others.

Staff Spotlight

Whether he's dressed up as Santa for the holidays or remembering a student's birthday, Omaha Public Schools bus driver Garon Foster goes above and beyond to make sure all riders feel welcome. Foster has been driving for four years and said it's his responsibility to ensure students feel heard, safe and comfortable.

Staff Spotlight

Brittney Williams, Multiple Pathways social worker

“I think relationships are one of the biggest things. I make a point to meet with every new student. I help with mental health needs and make sure they’re safe.”

Appreciate