Staff Spotlight: Susan Kutilek - life skills teacher at Rousseau Elementary School

November 15, 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 Susan Kutilek, life skills teacher at Rousseau Elementary School.

“Susan goes above and beyond every day with her life skills. She teaches them so many fun things along with academics and life skills. These students are like her own and they love her.” - Karla Rien, executive secretary at Rousseau Elementary School

In a few sentences, briefly describe your role at LPS.
I am the life skills teacher at Rousseau. I focus on providing special education students with learning activities and experiences designed to help them fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional and social growth, independence and job skills training. In addition to running our life skills program, I also serve our kindergarten students who have Individual Education Plans.

How long have you worked for LPS?
This is my 16th year with Lincoln Public Schools. I have been at Rousseau for the last 11 years.

What inspired you to become part of the education field at LPS?
My love for children and passion for helping and working with others led to pursuing my degree in special education. I truly believed that my adaptability, empathy and patience would guide me in making a difference in students' lives. I chose to pursue a teaching position with Lincoln Public Schools because I strongly believe in the work they do and their mission: to prepare ALL students for successful careers, lifelong learning and civic engagement.

What has been your favorite part of working here? What aspect of your job do you find most rewarding?
I love my job for many reasons. I have the best team, coworkers, support staff and administration. I have always felt supported and am forever grateful for our strong sense of community at Rousseau. I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to co-teach and learn from other educators in the building. I get to co-teach with Rachel Schlueter (speech language pathologist) two days a week and Lisa Wyrick (occupational therapist) one day a week. I currently work with eight students who participate in our life skills program. Each student brings something very special to our program. We learn, we explore, we laugh, we have fun and we work hard! The most rewarding part of my job is seeing their growth and love for school. At the end of the day when I hear, "Can we do that again tomorrow, that was so fun!" or "I did my best, that's all I can do!” or "Love ya, Kutilek!" I know that I'm making a difference in the lives of my students.

Did you attend LPS as a student? If so, which school(s)? If not, where are you from?
I grew up in Grand Island, Neb.

What path did you take after completing your formal education?
I graduated from Grand Island Senior High and then moved to Lincoln and attended UNL. After receiving my bachelor's degree, I moved to Kansas City and attended mortuary school. I worked as a licensed funeral director and embalmer for ten years. After our second daughter was born, I decided I needed to make a career change. I went back to UNL and received my master's degree in special education.

What do you enjoy most about the Lincoln community?
Lincoln is a wonderful city to live in with a small town feel. The people are friendly and it’s known to be a tight-knit community. There are often local events to attend, neighborhood gatherings and volunteer opportunities throughout the city. This creates a welcoming environment for newcomers and refugees.

What is your favorite childhood book or a book that has influenced your life positively?
As a young child, I loved the Little Critters Series by Mercer Mayer. I have fond memories of reading them at my grandma's house and loved trying to find the little critters hidden on each page.

Share a shout out to a teacher who impacted your life.
Mr. Dan Chambers was my sixth grade teacher at Dodge School in Grand Island. He had a way of making each student feel loved and made school fun. He had a great sense of humor and an unforgettable laugh.

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

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