Each and every day, teachers across Nebraska put their heart and soul into teaching and preparing their students for success. This fall, we teamed up with the Nebraska Cornhuskers to honor a few of Nebraska’s outstanding teachers through our Touchdown for Teachers contest.

People were encouraged to nominate a teacher to win Husker tickets and an on-field experience. The nominations seemed endless – we received close to 3,000 entries. If there is one thing we know about Nebraskans, it’s that they love their public school teachers.

We had a blast braving the cold and honoring each of the Touchdown for Teachers winners. Representing schools from across the state, our teachers have a range of experience and each of them shared a bit with us about why they love teaching.

Read our Q&A with our four winning teachers. Congratulations again to our winners!

Q: What makes you most proud to be a teacher?

Seeing my students reach their goals, both academic and behavioral. When a student has set a goal and you can see him/​her really take that on and give it their all, it reminds me that we have something to work toward and that makes the success and overcoming the obstacles all the sweeter.

Q: What’s one thing you’d like all Nebraskans to know about public schools today?

Public school teachers, administrators, and staff all work tirelessly for our students, families, and community to be the best they can be. Everyday you find people who truly are invested and care about making an impact in the lives of young people. 

Q: Why is it important to support students in public schools?

Supporting the students in our public school system helps to create individuals who are independent, intelligent, and bring something productive to their community. The support and resources they receive in public schools helps them learn and maintain skills they will use the rest of their lives.

Q: What makes you most proud to be a teacher?

A teacher has the ability to have a positive impact on kids lives. Being creative and making learning fun and exciting is very rewarding. There is nothing better than seeing a child ​“get it” and smile from ear to ear!

Q: What’s one thing you’d like all Nebraskans to know about public schools today?

Public schools strive to help all students become lifetime learners.

Q: Why is it important to support students in public schools?

They are our future; we must empower them to achieve goals and make a difference in the world. 

Q: What makes you most proud to be a teacher?

Being a part of something that is bigger than myself where I feel I make a difference. 

Q: What’s one thing you’d like all Nebraskans to know about public schools today?

It is so much more than a building…it is a team of very hard working individuals working to provide the best opportunities for our students.

Q: Why is it important to support students in public schools?

Only with that support can we do the best job possible for our students…it takes the whole village.

Q: What makes you most proud to be a teacher?

I love teaching my students every day! Watching them grow from a 5th-grade band member to a senior is such a rewarding experience! Music is such an awesome subject to teach, and I give my best to inspire them every day! 

Q: What’s one thing you’d like all Nebraskans to know about public schools today?

Every morning, day, and evening Nebraska teachers are giving their time and talents to educate the future citizens of our great state! My wife, Darcy, is a 4th-grade teacher and I know all of the long hours that teachers spend outside of the school day preparing meaningful lessons, aligning curriculum, and correcting papers!

Q: Why is it important to support students in public schools?

Community stakeholders are so supportive, and they should realize that they are a huge help in providing a strong future for their school, town, and community! As teachers, we are very thankful for their continued support of our school!

Thank you to our Touchdown for Teachers winners, and all Nebraska educators, for your tireless work and dedication to students.