Staff Spotlight: Karina Gallegos Garcia - paraeducator at Park Middle School

March 26, 2026

Every week, we shine a spotlight on one Lincoln Public Schools staff member! This week, meet Karina Gallegos Garcia, English learning paraeducator at Park Middle School.

“Karina is a fantastic paraeducator who goes above and beyond to help students in reading and comprehending a new language. She is great at communicating with students and helping them work through their problems in the classroom and beyond. Over the past semester, she has made a major impact on students in my classroom as well as in other areas of English learning. Karina also works to bridge multiculturalism in our school by learning and keeping a journal of Karen language. I am lucky to have gotten the opportunity to work with someone who cares as much about students as she does.” - Annalisse Stover, teacher at Park Middle School.

In a few sentences, briefly describe your role at LPS.
I am an English learning paraeducator. My role allows me to help students in their learning journey to learn the English language. I work with a diverse population of students at LPS.

How long have you worked for LPS?
This is my first year with LPS. I started in November 2025 at Park Middle School.

What inspired you to become part of the education field at LPS?
I was inspired by the idea that education is the most powerful tool for social change, and I want to be a part of that, even if it’s a little bit. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside and learn from some incredibly talented educators.

What has been your favorite part of working here? What aspect of your job do you find most rewarding?
My favorite part is building relationships with the students – witnessing that ‘aha!' moment when a student finally understands a word's meaning. What I find most rewarding is knowing that I am contributing alongside the teacher to their success and long-term development.

In one word, what makes you proud to work for LPS?
Impact.

Did you attend LPS as a student? If so, which school(s)? If not, where are you from?
I am from Chihuahua, Mexico.

What path did you take after completing your formal education?
I attended nursing school in Delicias, Chihuahua, Mexico. Then, I came to live in Nebraska and I enrolled in English classes at Southeast Community College. When I returned to Mexico, I had the opportunity to work as an English teacher for five years through a national pilot program, called Programa Nacional de Inglés en Educación Básica, with students from kindergarten to sixth grade.

What do you enjoy most about the Lincoln community?
Its inclusivity and diversity. I enjoy the great cultural diversity in Lincoln. I love learning about other cultures, their food and language.

What is your favorite childhood book or a book that has influenced your life positively?
The Bible has taught me to deeply value people and their feelings. It has shown me that what is essential is invisible to the eye, and it serves as a powerful reminder that love is the most powerful tool.

Share a shout out to a former teacher who impacted your life.
I had an English teacher at SCC who always motivated me to persevere and not give up. Something she always said stood out to me: "If you were intelligent in your country, you can also be here."

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

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