From Learning to Leading: Student Teachers Step into Omaha Public Schools Classrooms

First grader Marvel Wallace has not one, but two teachers he’s learning from in his Western Hills Elementary class. This semester, Jahnae Andrews-Hogan joined the school as a student teacher.

“She’s a good teacher, and she’s really nice,” said Wallace. “She’s teaching us the silent e, structured literacy and we’re reading books.”

Andrews-Hogan is one of more than 160 student teachers gaining hands-on experience this semester with Omaha Public Schools. We’re hosting students from 19 universities across five states, including Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, Missouri and Arizona.

“I like that I’ll be developing relationships with the students and growing my confidence to teach,” said Andrews-Hogan. “They're first-time first graders, and I’m a first-time teacher, so we’ll be learning together.”

Now, one month into the semester, Andrews-Hogan says she knows she’s on the right track.

“I’m really happy with my growth already, and just this first month,” said Andrews-Hogan. “I feel like I’ve gained confidence, and I can finally see myself as a teacher instead of just a student teacher.”

Andrews-Hogan works alongside first grade teacher Alex Lee, who serves as her cooperating teacher this semester.

“She has seamlessly taken over, and we’re doing one content area at a time,” said Lee. “You can tell that she just genuinely loves what she's doing, and the kids can tell, too.”

More than 60 student teachers have committed to full-time teaching positions with Omaha Public Schools.

“The work the recruitment team and our district have done through our partnerships with universities has strengthened that interest,” said Brandi Rossman, Omaha Public Schools coordinator of recruitment and retention. “Students are hearing great things about Omaha Public Schools and want to experience it.”

During a welcome conference in January, several incoming student teachers shared what they were most excited about heading into the semester.

Ayden Thomas said he was looking forward to putting his skills to work with Bryan High social studies students.

“I’ve always had a passion for history and all the subjects that go with it,” he said. “I hope that what I learn throughout the semester will be good for teaching me how to do the job.”

More than 40 of this semester’s student teachers are Omaha Public Schools graduates. Northwest High alum Kathryn Krebbs is teaching 12th grade English at North High.

“I liked being a student at Northwest High, and the diversity at that school is why I chose to student teach with Omaha Public Schools,” said Krebbs. “I’m looking forward to getting to know the students and building relationships.”

Participants this semester are represented through a variety of programs, including the Teacher Scholars Academy at the University of Nebraska-Omaha and our Para to Teacher Program.