Staff Spotlight: Amanda Rickert - music teacher at Hill Elementary School

February 28, 2025

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 Amanda Rickert, music teacher at Hill Elementary School.

“Amanda works with every student as they enter Hill in kindergarten through fifth grade. She gets students excited for vocal music, grade level performances and musicals, and fun skits! Amanda can be found in the halls or staff lounge laughing or out at recess duty. She's got a great personality that our students and families are attracted to! She created our Hill school song and also helped bring back our traditional Hill song that was written when Hill opened.” - Emily Wiebeck, Hill Elementary School principal

In a few sentences, briefly describe your role at LPS.
I teach general music at Hill Elementary to kindergarten through fifth grade. 

How long have you worked for LPS?
Sixteen wonderful years!

What inspired you to become part of the education field at LPS?
I did my undergrad at UNL, which included practicum and student teaching in LPS. I loved the LPS students and teachers. The district support of the music program is unmatched to other towns.

What has been your favorite part of working here? What aspect of your job do you find most rewarding?
My favorite part of being a teacher is the students and staff I get to work with. I have a blast sharing my love of music and fostering growth with my students. LPS also hires phenomenal staff members who are not only great colleagues and teachers, but who have also become lifelong friends.

Did you attend LPS as a student? If so, which school(s)? If not, where are you from?
I am from Spirit Lake, Iowa. I attended Spirit Lake elementary, middle and high school. It was a blast growing up by the Iowa Great Lakes and I had many opportunities to explore music throughout my youth.

What path did you take after completing your formal education?
I've known since middle school that I wanted to do something with music as my job. After high school, I attended UNL from 2005-2009 and graduated with a Bachelor of Music Education degree. I got my first job at Schoo Middle School directly after undergrad and then pursued my Master of Arts in curriculum and instruction from Doane University. I then switched to Hill in 2012.

What do you enjoy most about the Lincoln community?
When I went to UNL, many of the undergraduate students were from Lincoln. They always talked about how Lincoln is a big small town that everybody loves, they end up never leaving and it's true! I love Lincoln and can't imagine leaving this community. LPS has been fabulous for my career and my children and I see my family staying here for a long time.

What is your favorite childhood book or a book that has influenced your life positively?
I don't think I could say I have a favorite book because I LOVE to read. Reading is a stress reliever for me so I read a lot and I can't pick just one! I have actually considered getting my school library endorsement because I enjoy books so much.

Share a shout out to a former teacher who impacted your life.
A shout out to all my former music teachers (Mr. Pentico, Mr. Nicklay, Mrs. Ites, Mr. Ites, Barb Fuelberth) and Judy Bush who was my cooperating teacher at Fredstrom Elementary and taught me so many things about teaching elementary students.

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

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