Staff Spotlight: Stacie Arndt - library paraeducator at Randolph Elementary School

October 4, 2024

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 Stacie Arndt, library paraeducator at Randolph Elementary School.

“We are so lucky at LPS to have so many excellent paraeducators. Stacie Arndt is one of them. Stacie has a passion for matching students with the books they will love to read. She always goes above and beyond expectations, reflected in how she reads many of the latest, greatest children's literature so she can inspire that connection. Stacie prioritizes developing relationships with students and with classroom teachers, so she can meet their needs. We have a beautiful library at Randolph and Stacie's attention to shelving, book displays and overall appearance is a big part of why it's a wonderful welcoming space for readers.” -  Mark Weddleton, Randolph Elementary School librarian

How long have you worked for LPS?
This is my fifth year at LPS. My first year I worked in reading intervention at Fredstrom Elementary and this is my fourth year at Randolph.

What inspired you to become part of the education field at LPS?
I volunteered many, many hours all through my boys' elementary years. I loved working with the kids so much that I decided it might be a good fit for me to work in the LPS system.

What has been your favorite part of working here? What aspect of your job do you find most rewarding?
My main job is to get students excited about reading. Matching them to the perfect book is my goal, and nothing makes me happier then when they come bounding into the library telling me that they loved the book and can we find another one. It's interesting to hear their take on what they've read. I read all the time as a kid so it's rewarding to get to help them make those connections. I feel very fortunate to be tasked with the care of the Randolph library. It's a really beautiful space.

Did you attend LPS as a student? If so, which school(s)? If not, where are you from?
My family moved around a lot as a kid.I was in Oklahoma for elementary school, Iowa for middle school and graduated high school from Northwest High School in Grand Island, Neb.

What path did you take after completing your formal education?
I graduated with a CMA in medical assisting from Iowa Western Community College and worked many years in the medical field. 

What do you enjoy most about the Lincoln community?
I think it's the absolutely best place to raise a family.

What is your favorite childhood book or a book that has influenced your life positively?
“Charlotte's Web” and “Little Women.” I used to think that Charlotte lived in the barn behind our house in Oklahoma.

Share a shout out to a teacher who impacted your life.
Since I didn't go to school here I'm going to give a shout out to the teachers in LPS who made a huge difference in my boys’ education:Risa Udell, Julie Zitek, Allison Arndt, Linda Roh and Kyle Thompson. You may not even be aware of the impact you had, but you did! THANK YOU, from a mom!

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

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