Lincoln High educator named 2023 Nebraska Teacher of the Year

LINCOLN — Renee Jones did not count on the announcement on Thursday, not to mention earlier than 9 a.m. when the scholars in her first-period oral communications class had been nonetheless waking up.

So it is comprehensible the speech instructor appeared practically perplexed herself throughout a shock ceremony through which she was named the 2023 Nebraska Trainer of the Yr.

“I really feel like I am a Kardashian or one thing,” Jones stated with fun as state and native schooling officers and digicam crews filed into her classroom.

Nebraska Commissioner of Training Matthew Blomstedt introduced the award to Jones, who teaches oral communications, artistic writing and Holocaust literature at Lincoln Excessive.

She beforehand taught English on the Bryan Neighborhood Focus Program for six years earlier than coming to Lincoln Excessive in 2021. Jones can be a printed writer and has introduced on schooling at South by Southwest. She obtained the Lincoln Public Faculties Basis’s Encourage Award in 2019 as effectively.

“The fact is that is each an honor for you however actually an honor for academics,” Blomstedt stated. “We wish to acknowledge the nice work that academics have achieved in the course of the pandemic, but additionally simply yearly that is such a terrific factor you are going to be part of.”

Because the state instructor of the 12 months, Jones shall be Nebraska’s consultant within the Nationwide Trainer of the Yr competitors and take part in skilled growth with different states’ winners.

She may also get to journey the state and nation to participate in numerous academic conferences and workshops. 

“I do know I will need to do issues which are actually superior but additionally problem me as an individual, which is thrilling,” she stated.

A panel of state educators tabbed Jones for the award, which is bestowed yearly to academics “who’re exceptionally devoted, educated, expert and who’ve the flexibility to encourage college students of all backgrounds and skills to be taught.”

Freshman DeAdrian Walker, who’s in Jones’ first-period oral communications class, overcame his concern of public talking due to her.

“I used to be barely even capable of come as much as the classroom and discuss myself,” he advised a gaggle of reporters. “I really feel like I would not be right here speaking if it wasn’t for her serving to me.” 

Walker stated Jones makes positive her college students are snug talking in a classroom setting and instills confidence in them.

“She all the time makes positive they’re in an excellent temper,” he stated.

Jones, a Lincoln North Star graduate, joins different previous Lincoln Excessive academics to earn the award, together with 2019 winner Sydney Jensen and present State Training Board President Patsy Koch-Johns, who was in attendance Thursday.

“These children are so fortunate to be Hyperlinks and to have this glorious instructor,” Koch-Johns stated.