By TYLER ELLYSON UNK Communications KEARNEY – Like most Nebraska school administrators, Roger Thomsen struggles to find substitute teachers who can fill in for his regular staff. “It’s a chore,” the 7-12 principal at Amherst Public School said. “My list went from around 35 last year to eight this year.” The statewide substitute teacher shortage was a problem before the pandemic hit, then COVID-19 caused many people to step away from their roles as … [Read more...] about UNK substitute teaching course fills ‘huge void’ for area schools
Teacher Education
Chandra Diaz inducted into Multicultural Hall of Fame at UNL
LINCOLN – For outstanding service and dedication to furthering diversity and inclusion, six University of Nebraska-Lincoln alumni were recently inducted into the Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center Hall of Fame. The 2020 class, honored Oct. 29 during a Multicultural Homecoming celebration hosted by the Office of Academic Success and Intercultural Services, includes Chandra Diaz, Misty Frazier, Ahn Le, Jeannette Eileen Jones, Reshell Ray and Shannon Teamer. The … [Read more...] about Chandra Diaz inducted into Multicultural Hall of Fame at UNL
UNK graduate Odalys Cruz aims to inspire students in her hometown
By TYLER ELLYSON UNK Communications SCHUYLER – In Schuyler, Nebraska, population 6,300, half of the residents were born outside the United States. Only 53% of adults ages 25 or older completed high school and just 9% went on to earn a bachelor’s degree. The Colfax County community is a safe haven for people from across the world who left their home countries in search of a better life. Odalys Cruz’s story begins here. The daughter of Guatemalan … [Read more...] about UNK graduate Odalys Cruz aims to inspire students in her hometown
Punk rock pedagogy: Drew Kemp promotes creativity, freedom in the classroom
By TYLER ELLYSON UNK Communications KEARNEY – Drew Kemp approaches life with a punk rock attitude. The new teacher education chair at the University of Nebraska at Kearney is all about creativity and innovation, and he’s never satisfied with the status quo. “Some people would describe themselves as an outside-the-box thinker. I don’t have a box,” Kemp said. “If you’re an outside-the-box thinker, you have a preconceived notion of what that box is and you’re doing … [Read more...] about Punk rock pedagogy: Drew Kemp promotes creativity, freedom in the classroom
Staff Excellence, Faculty Senate awards presented during convocation
KEARNEY – The University of Nebraska at Kearney recognized three staff members and two Faculty Senate Distinguished Service Award recipients during Friday’s Faculty/Staff Convocation in the Health and Sports Center. Staff Awards for Excellence (SAFE) are presented annually during convocation to honor UNK staff members for outstanding service to students, the university and education. SAFE Awards sponsored by Fidelity Investments were presented to Brette Ensz and Sarah … [Read more...] about Staff Excellence, Faculty Senate awards presented during convocation
