Hornets are helping future teachers through UNL partnership

December 1, 2025

Hartley Elementary School is serving as a garden of educational growth for future teachers like Michaela Nanfito and Alex Ohnoutka this fall.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Education and Human Sciences students are among 15 Huskers who are learning critical teaching skills on Hartley’s campus. Full-time Hartley teachers are mentoring the next generation of classroom leaders every Tuesday and Thursday during the semester. UNL students spend more than three hours each day gaining insights from the Lincoln Public Schools professionals about their future careers.

Nanfito and Ohnoutka felt their teaching talents blossomed this fall thanks to the nurturing mentorship of Hartley fourth grade teacher Beri Delaney. Ohnoutka initially enrolled in sports media classes before switching to education, and Nanfito began her time at UNL as an architecture major.

“You can put anybody in front of a group of kids and tell them to teach a lesson, but not everybody can do it successfully,” Nanfito said. “I think I couldn’t have done it successfully earlier, but with this experience, it’s teaching me more situations, the way things happen and the way things work in a classroom. It’s showing me how to be a teacher, which has been amazing.”

“My advisor told me that there’s a class where you’ll be doing a practicum at a school, and I was like, ‘Okay, let’s jump right in and do it. We’ll figure out if you want to do this or not,’” Ohnoutka said. “And it’s been great. I’ve learned so much from just this short time already. I’ve realized that this is what I want to do for a career for sure.”

Delaney said she has enjoyed watching Nanfito and Ohnoutka thrive in her classroom. She has been impressed with the leadership abilities they have displayed.

“I have loved seeing their passion for teaching within the classroom,” Delaney said. “They have both done a great job of really getting to know my students and creating relationships. I can tell they want to learn new tips and classroom management strategies and genuinely want to see students succeed.”

Hartley Principal Rob Rickert said the practicum partnership has benefited many people since it began in 2023. UNL students are absorbing valuable career insights, Hartley teachers are sharing their inspiring mentorship skills, Hartley students are forming trusting bonds with college-age role models and LPS is building a pipeline of future talent.

“Our staff does an outstanding job modeling strong instruction, building classroom community and guiding practicum students as they learn what it means to be a teacher,” Rickert said. “This partnership is a great example of our commitment to staff development, student success and community engagement, aligning closely with the LPS Strategic Plan.”

Hartley and UNL first cooperated on the project two years ago, and the partnership between the two schools strengthened even further last fall. Rickert connected with Teri Ourada, a former LPS administrator who now supervises UNL practicum students, to increase opportunities for Huskers to visit the Hornets.

All UNL education majors take the TEAC 297A Fall Professional Practicum class as their first formal teaching experience. Nebraska’s teacher certification guidelines require a specific number of practicum hours, and students are encouraged to take initiative, engage with students and actively participate in the classroom. They assist with classroom work, create bulletin boards and classroom displays, plan and lead group activities and support students who may be struggling.

Rickert said he has been pleased to see many Hartley staff members support the program. Twelve teachers have volunteered to serve as mentors this fall.

“One of the most meaningful ways we can address the ongoing teacher shortage is by investing in and inspiring the next generation,” Rickert said. “I’m incredibly proud of our staff for stepping up in this way.”

Delaney took the same practicum class when she was enrolled at UNL. She said that made it an easy decision to guide Huskers like Nanfito and Ohnoutka.

“I enjoyed all of my cooperating teachers so much and gained so much experience and knowledge from them,” Delaney said. “The practicums were so beneficial for my own learning, and I hope to be that same mentor for Michaela and Alex that my cooperating teachers were for me.”

Nanfito and Ohnoutka said Delaney has sown seeds of confidence with her calm and caring demeanor. During one morning, Ohnoutka called students to the front of the room to write multiplication facts on the whiteboard. Nanfito then helped the class review multiplication tables with an engaging call-and-response activity. Delaney praised both before starting a new math lesson on division with the Hornets.

“I really like Mrs. Delaney,” Nanfito said. “I love working with her. She’s been very welcoming to both of us in her classroom.”

“Mrs. Delaney has been great,” Ohnoutka said. “She’s shown me different tips you can use to manage a classroom, and how to be patient with them. Patience, especially with elementary kids, that’s a big thing. I feel really lucky to get to learn from her.”

Nanfito and Ohnoutka said they are looking forward to watching the teaching seeds they have planted at Hartley sprout into impactful careers.

“When I was growing up, everybody said I should be an architect, and so that’s what I thought I should do,” Nanfito said. “I realized that I know what my heart wanted to do, and I wanted to teach, so I came back to teaching. I’ve just loved all of it.”

Hartley’s partnership with UNL is one way Lincoln Public Schools is connecting with our community and encouraging future educators. Want to find out about LPS career opportunities to help our students? View home.lps.org/hr/careers to learn more about our current openings.

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