Staff Spotlight: Ella Christensen - fourth grade teacher at Maxey Elementary School

December 13, 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 Ella Christensen, fourth grade teacher at Maxey Elementary School.

“Teaching at Maxey Elementary has become a full circle experience for Ella. She attended Maxey as a student from grades K-5. Now, she is influencing children at her alma mater. Her fourth grade teacher, Mr. Schilousky, is now one of her coworkers, teaching the same grade. In her first year, Ella has built relationships with students, families and staff in a positive way and brings new ideas to her team. She is very organized and willing to do whatever it takes. Her students love having her as a teacher. Her competence, hardworking ethic, fresh ideas, and kindness towards all has made it feel like she has taught on our team, at our school, forever. She has seamlessly joined the educational realm.” - Clarice Anderson, Christy Firestone, Kelly Reineke and Kelly Schilousky, Maxey fourth grade team. 

How long have you worked for LPS?
I have worked for LPS for two years. I graduated last December and was hired mid-year for a long-term sub position and then was hired at that same school in April for a fourth grade position for the 2024-25 school year!

What inspired you to become part of the education field at LPS?
I was inspired to join LPS because of my own time as a LPS student. I grew up in Lincoln and started my journey at Maxey in 2006 as a kindergartener! I had so many amazing teachers along the way, and it eventually led me to study elementary education at UNL. When it came time to make a decision about a district to work for, LPS was a no-brainer. I was lucky enough to come really full circle and get hired at Maxey for my first year teaching!

What has been your favorite part of working here? What aspect of your job do you find most rewarding?
My favorite part of working at Maxey has to be the people I am surrounded by all day! My fourth grade team has been so amazing and helpful to me all year and I truly am the luckiest first year teacher ever to have them! Everyone at Maxey is so welcoming and is always willing to listen or help in any way they can. The most rewarding aspect of my job is definitely the relationships I get to form with my students. We have so many laughs every day and seeing them smile and get excited about learning is the best part of my day!

The most rewarding aspect is making connections with our students, seeing them grow and succeed. The best part is seeing their face once they've completed their grad requirements and have finished their high school journey, no matter how long it takes.

Did you attend LPS as a student? If so, which school(s)? If not, where are you from?
I did attend LPS as a student. I went to Maxey Elementary School, Lux Middle School and Lincoln East High School. I then attended UNL for college.

What path did you take after completing your formal education?
I was hired to work for LPS before I even graduated from UNL.

What do you enjoy most about the Lincoln community?
I most enjoy the small-town feel of the Lincoln community. I have lived here all my life, and it truly is a great place to live.

What is your favorite childhood book or a book that has influenced your life positively?
My favorite childhood chapter book was "The Tale of Despereaux." My fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Maxwell, read it aloud to our class and I remember it just being the best part of my day. I looked forward to it every single day on my way to school. I plan on reading it aloud to my class this school year too!

Share a shout out to a teacher who impacted your life.
If I had to shout out a former teacher I would say Mr. Luxford at Lux Middle School. He was a great teacher, always made everyone laugh, and actually got me to enjoy science as a sixth and seventh grader!

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

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