Adams teacher Mary Abebe named 2025 Scottish Rite Educator of the Year

April 11, 2025

Adams Elementary School computer science teacher Mary Abebe is the 2025 Scottish Rite Educator of the Year. 

Lincoln Public Schools leaders and local Scottish Rite Organization chapter members surprised Abebe during a school assembly at Adams Elementary on April 11.

“I haven’t comprehended it. I can remember walking down the hallway and seeing the pictures of the people. I didn’t ever think I’d be one of those people. I just love teaching,” Abebe said. 

In 1964, the local chapter of Scottish Rite developed an education committee to recognize excellent classroom teachers and help make the public aware of the vital role a classroom teacher plays in educating youth. The award recipient also receives a check for $10,000 from the organization.

“We welcome opportunities to recognize excellence among teachers and make the public aware of the vital role a teacher plays in molding today’s youth for a better tomorrow,” LPS Associate Superintendent for Human Resources Vann Price said. 

Abebe has been an educator for nearly four decades, spending most of her career at LPS. She began teaching for Lincoln Public Schools in 1995 at Campbell Elementary School. She taught at Saratoga and Kloefkorn elementary schools before moving to Adams Elementary School in 2019, where she currently leads K-5 computer science classes.

Jason Thomsen and Caitlin Provance co-authored Abebe’s nomination letter. Thomsen is the LPS career and technical education curriculum specialist and Provance is the school district’s K-5 computer science coordinator. They said Abebe was a worthy recipient of the Scottish Rite honor because of her creativity and enthusiasm in the classroom.

“Ms. Abebe’s passion for teaching is evident in every aspect of her work, from her ability to create an engaging and dynamic learning environment to the strong, supportive relationships she builds with both students and staff,” read Abebe’s nomination letter. “She goes above and beyond to ensure her students are not only academically successful but also excited about learning. Her innovative teaching practices, which include the use of technology and project-based learning, foster critical thinking and creativity.”

Abebe will be formally honored during a special ceremony on Friday, May 2, starting at 4 p.m. at the Steve Joel District Leadership Center (formerly known as the LPS district office), where she will be featured along with past winners on an interactive display outside the boardroom.

 

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