Longtime educator Nancy Andersen makes a home at Holmes

June 21, 2023

Nancy Andersen first stepped foot into Holmes Elementary in November 1985 and never left. 

“Holmes is a very special place. It has always felt like ‘home’ and where I was meant to be,” Andersen said. 

The educator has spent her entire career teaching at Holmes – almost 40 years to be exact. 

“Nancy is Holmes Elementary. It is incredibly special that she has spent her whole career here,” Holmes Principal Dave Koenig said. 

“Each year, I strive to create a classroom that is a community of learners where everyone feels valued, safe and cared for and where everyone knows that they are an important part of our classroom,” she added. “Every child has special talents and skills and I want to build on those talents to help each child reach their full potential.”

 

Andersen started at the school with a combined first and second-grade classroom, then transitioned to teaching only first grade. After serving 26 years educating first-grade Hedgehogs, she started teaching third grade. 

“It is such a joy to watch children learn and discover new things. Getting to be a part of that daily is a gift,” Andersen said.

Andersen is a product of Lincoln Public Schools herself. She attended Prescott Elementary and Irving Middle School. She graduated from Lincoln High. It was her first-grade teacher at Prescott, Ms. Vaclavek, who inspired her to pursue a career in education by teaching her something that now loves – reading. 

“I thought that was the greatest gift that anyone could ever give to someone. From that grade on, I had a strong desire to teach. I grew up knowing that I wanted to share that love of learning with children,” Andersen said. 

Her passion for learning is demonstrated in her classroom. Her students appreciate her calm demeanor and commitment to their development.  

“She's welcoming. If you need to talk about something with her, you can definitely talk with her. She's just somebody that you come to about anything,” Holmes third-grade student Aleda said.

“I wouldn’t want another teacher because I love Ms. Andersen,” fellow third grade classmate Karis added. 

The educator mentioned that the culture of Holmes and its staff is what keeps her coming back year after year. 

“I can't imagine talking about the culture and mission of Holmes without mentioning the significant contributions Nancy has made to our building,” Koenig added. 

“I feel that Holmes is truly a one-of-a-kind school.  It is filled with an extremely talented, committed, caring and child-centered staff. All of the staff support and encourage one another unconditionally. It feels like a family here,” Andersen said.

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