Staff Spotlight: Lindsey Peppard - paraeducator at Hartley Elementary School

December 19, 2025

Every week, we shine a spotlight on one Lincoln Public Schools staff member! This week, meet Lindsey Peppard, paraeducator at Hartley Elementary School.

“Lindsey goes above and beyond her role as a para. She is always willing to jump in and help out when needed. She came to our open house (on her off time) to meet the families and talk to returning families. She is great with the students and easy to work with. She has so many great ideas that we work on together in the classroom. She is amazing at building relationships with the students and always has a positive attitude in the classroom. We teachers could not do our jobs without our wonderful paras, and I am glad to work with Lindsey.” - Joy Hesse, preschool family educator at Hartley

In a few sentences, briefly describe your role at LPS.
I am a paraeducator for Early Childhood. I assist with helping the family educators and special education teachers in educating the younger students of LPS. I help with teaching 3-5-year-olds with their social and emotional developments through play and problem solving techniques.

How long have you worked for LPS?
I am going on my ninth year at Hartley Elementary School.

What inspired you to become part of the education field at LPS?
I have always had a love for kids. My mom did daycare for 30+ years, so I grew up watching her interact and being patient with children. I started at a daycare center and then had friends and family encourage me to apply for LPS. Once I got started at LPS my love for the children grew even more as I got to watch them learn more and more each day and each year. Sometimes you can have a child for two years so it’s amazing to see the progress they make!

What has been your favorite part of working here? What aspect of your job do you find most rewarding?
My favorite part of working here is how I’ve been at the same school for nine years. I start with kids who are 3-5 years, and if they stay in the same neighborhood I get to watch them grow and move to the next grade levels.

The most rewarding aspect of the job is seeing those 4-year-olds you had turn into fifth graders and still greet you with a hug and ask if you still remember them! Then having their smile shine bright when you say “Yes *insert name* I still remember you!”

Did you attend LPS as a student? If so, which school(s)? If not, where are you from?
Yes, I went to Campbell Elementary, Goodrich Middle School and North Star High School.

What path did you take after completing your formal education?
I went to Southeast Community College and graduated with my associate degree in early childhood. Starting in January, I will be continuing my education at University of Nebraska–Lincoln and will get my bachelor's in inclusive early childhood. I will be going through the Avenues Program for Early Childhood. 

What do you enjoy most about the Lincoln community?
I enjoy how small Lincoln can be. With Lincoln being a bigger city I am amazed by how I’m always meeting someone who knows someone I may know. I also work Husker sporting events, so when you get to talking you find mutual friends!

What is your favorite childhood book or a book that has influenced your life positively?
I struggled with getting into books and enjoying them. When I was in middle school I had a reading teacher who always encouraged me to keep finding books until I found something I loved! I finally did find a series I loved and that was “Heartland” by Lauren Brooke. I don’t think I had read a book as fast as I did with that series! And now there is a TV show on the books that I enjoy watching.

Share a shout out to a former teacher who impacted your life.
Charmain Satree had the most impact on my life. She started off as my high school softball coach then was my SkillsUSA leader, but very quickly became someone I could lean on. She always had her classroom door open when I needed her. Almost every morning and end of the day I would stop by in her classroom. Sometimes it was to just say hi/bye and other times it was just for a hug. She encouraged me to be my best and be a light in someone’s life. She made you want to do good and see the good in people. She unfortunately passed away in November of 2020 and not a day goes by I don’t think of her! I remember how Satree would give me a hug on some tough days (and even good days) and say “You are a rockstar!” Every time I hug one of my students who may just need some extra love for the day I find her words coming out of my mouth!

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

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