Staff Spotlight: Sue Hamilton - first grade teacher at Hill Elementary School

Every week, we’ll shine a spotlight on one Lincoln Public Schools staff member! Get to know the wonderful people making a positive impact across various areas within LPS. This week, meet Sue Hamilton, first grade teacher at Hill Elementary School.

“Sue is an amazing veteran teacher at Hill, and she has two new teachers on her team of three. Along with all of the challenges of learning a new reading curriculum, she is also embracing mentoring our new teachers! She has done such a great job supporting them, helping them to find their own approach to teaching and being flexible and positive as we all learn together. I appreciate her so much!” - Amy Carnie, Hill Elementary School principal. 

In a few sentences, briefly describe your role at LPS.
I teach first grade at Hill Elementary. I get to learn with amazing students and collaborate with supportive teammates.

How long have you worked for LPS?
I have been a teacher for LPS since 2000. I have taught first grade, second grade, third grade, Reading Recovery and was a writing specialist.

What inspired you to become part of the education field at LPS?
I taught in El Paso, Texas, and knew that I wanted to return to Lincoln and work for LPS because of the commitment and support that the community has for education.

What has been your favorite part of working here? What aspect of your job do you find most rewarding?
I have interacted with so many people and learned so much from them. I love teaching reading and math. The students are so excited about the new Core Knowledge Language Arts curriculum, and I am astounded by their knowledge. During math we learn different strategies and it is always interesting to see which one works best for each student.

Did you attend LPS as a student? If so, which school(s)? If not, where are you from?
I went to LPS from kindergarten to graduation. I attended Rousseau, Pound Middle School and Lincoln Southeast High School.

What path did you take after completing your formal education?
I attended UNL and earned a degree in elementary education. I completed my Master of Arts in Education  at Kearney State (now UNK). When I lived in Texas, I received a degree in administration and supervision from the University of Texas at El Paso.

What do you enjoy most about the Lincoln community?
I love Lincoln because it is not too big or too small. We have great schools, neighborhoods and opportunities for families. I enjoyed raising my three children in Lincoln (all LPS graduates).

What is your favorite childhood book or a book that has influenced your life positively?
One of my favorite childhood books is “Leo the Late Bloomer.” It has a message that reminds me that it is okay to slow down and that things will work out.

Share a shout out to a former teacher who impacted your life.
A huge mentor to me was my first grade teacher, Kay Green. She had so much patience. When I started working at Hill, I was surprised that she was the computer science teacher. I got to work with her as a teammate!

Do you know a LPS staff member we should feature for Staff Spotlight? Fill out this form to nominate them!

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