Hundreds of difference-makers prepare to make major impacts at LPS buildings

August 8, 2025

Theora Melcher and Sierra Werner arrived at Southwest High School this summer ready to begin their mission of making major impacts at Lincoln Public Schools.
 
The Riley Elementary School teachers joined hundreds of other inspirational influencers at the 2025 LPS New Educator Week. Professionals from all 70 LPS schools and focus programs picked up important knowledge about the school district during meetings in Southwest’s auditorium and commons area. They shared smiles with fellow educators, learned key facts about LPS and met many administrators and school leaders.
 
Melcher and Werner both said they were looking forward to meeting elementary students on their first day of school Aug. 13. Melcher will teach fourth grade at Riley and Werner will guide a classroom of second grade Rams.
 
Why did they want to become elementary school teachers?
 
“I would say to provide love and support for those who need it the most,” Melcher said.
 
“I want to make a difference in people’s lives,” Werner said.
 
Laura Casne had a similar sunny outlook on her future teaching career. She will lead geoscience and biology classes at Northwest High School for the first time this fall. Casne, who owns degrees in both environmental studies and secondary science education, said she was excited to teach science courses to her students.
 
“It’s going to be hectic, but it should be a lot of fun,” Casne said. “I’m already dreaming about it.”

 
Melcher, Werner and Casne were among 377 new educators who began their first LPS assignments. Some were fresh college graduates, some had been veteran classroom leaders outside of Lincoln and others were starting second careers in the education field.
 
LPS Director of Continuous Improvement Amy Clark said she was impressed with the enthusiasm she saw from the group throughout the first morning. Many struck up conversations with each other at breakfast and maintained that friendly atmosphere the rest of the day.
 
Clark said that was a good sign for the upcoming academic year. Southwest’s auditorium and commons area were filled with people who will be working at every building throughout the school district. Elementary, middle and high school leaders had their first chances to meet each other and discover why LPS is well-respected across the nation.
 
“I thought they had such great energy,” Clark said. “I am so excited about the work that they’re all going to be putting in this week. They were highly engaged and excited about learning, and I’m excited that they’re with us.”

LPS holds New Educator Week each year to help employees become better acquainted with LPS standards, procedures and instructional materials. The 2025 event included activities for both large and small groups of educators. They learned about curriculum topics during the first three mornings of the week and met at their individual schools during the afternoons. They focused on teaching with clarity on day four and spent time working in their school buildings on the final day.
 
While a majority of the 337 participants will be classroom teachers in 2025-26, many others will be supporting students in additional key jobs. Cassidy Morrison and Bethany Dvorachek will help children with their talents as health technicians. Morrison will be a health technician at Goodrich Middle School and Dvorachek will serve as a substitute health technician at LPS.
 
Morrison said she was eager to continue her LPS experience at Goodrich. She worked with children both at Roper Elementary School and Riley Elementary School throughout her college years. Her time with the two enrichment programs convinced her that a health technician position would be a good way to begin her career.
 
“I’ve been with LPS for years through the before- and after-school programs, so I’ve always loved the district,” Morrison said. “I’m happy to be here.”

 
Clark and several other top LPS leaders spoke to the audience during the first morning. They talked about the many layers of support that are available to the 6,200 LPS employees and 41,000 students.
 
Clark said it was important for everyone in the audience to realize they are not stationed on their own classroom or office islands. Instead, there is a peninsula-sized amount of assistance available for them in their workplace roles.
 
“We want them to have a solid foundation of support so that they know who we are behind the e-mails,” Clark said. “We want them to know who to contact and who to get help from as they’re starting their journey in LPS.”
 
Casne said it was encouraging to know that everyone at LPS was rooting for her to succeed. She was happy to be among the hundreds of people who will have difference-making missions in Lincoln this year.
 
“I’m looking forward to getting to meet all of my students,” Casne said. “Beginning to make those connections will be fun.”
 
Interested in beginning your own LPS career? Visit home.lps.org/hr to learn more about the school district and view current job opportunities.
 
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