Wadhams makes substantial impact as substitute teacher for LPS students

November 21, 2025

Judy Wadhams is making a substantial impact on Lincoln Public Schools students through her significant work as a substitute teacher.
 
Wadhams is continuing her lengthy LPS career as a dedicated substitute teacher at many LPS buildings. She primarily serves in special education classrooms as both a long-term and short-term substitute. She taught special education at LPS on a full-time basis from 2003-21.
 
Wadhams said she enjoys helping current teachers in her meaningful subbing role.
 
“Yes, you do get paid, but they also need people,” Wadhams said. “They need people to come in and do these jobs. I know a couple of my friends who are retired are coming back in and doing it too, because, as a sub, you always have wonderful paraeducators or co-teachers that you’re working with. I could work every day. That’s just the way I am.”

 
LPS Special Education Coordinator Tara Troy said substitute teachers are important members of the LPS community. She said they provide experienced leadership in classrooms and allow students to continue making academic progress. Dozens of substitutes share their teaching talents across Lincoln every day.
 
“They’re essential,” Troy said. “Substitute teachers like Judy fill the need that we have for sustaining the academic rigor in our classes. We truly appreciate their help.”
 
Wadhams graduated from Wayne State College with a degree in earth science and biology. She taught outside Lincoln for several years before staying home to raise her children. She began subbing in LPS buildings in 2000 and earned a special education teaching degree in 2003.
 
Wadhams spent one year in the life skills room at Northeast High School before moving to the Independence Academy team. The program provides students ages 18-21 with opportunities for skill development in communication, employment and independent living. They work, learn and prepare for their futures with a variety of school and community activities.
 
Those experiences have prepared Wadhams for the wide array of assignments she accepts during the school year. Some of her substitute teaching positions are in life skills rooms, but she often assists students who may need extra help in subjects like math, social studies or reading.

 
“I just like going to different places,” Wadhams said. “It’s good for my mind, because I’m relearning eighth grade math, and just with social studies, I’ve revisited the Revolutionary War at several schools. I’ve also been able to work with some really cool young teachers who have great ideas. This job gives you an opportunity to keep your mind sharp.”
 
When Wadhams first began subbing, she would receive a phone call early in the morning from LPS employees who would inform them if any jobs were available that day. Those dial-up deliverers of subbing news have been replaced by an online system that is available on computers, smartphones and other devices. It lets teachers schedule subbing opportunities days, weeks and even months in advance, which Wadhams said has been revolutionary.
 
“You can get on the system and see when teachers put on their absences, and you can go and pick them up,” Wadhams said. “It’s incredibly user-friendly. The jobs are out there weeks ahead of time, but even if you wait until the very last minute, there’s always a job. There have been times that I’ve waited until the day before because I wasn’t sure if it was going to work with my schedule, but even then, there were jobs available.”

 
Classroom teachers can upload lesson plans and daily instructional files into the system for substitutes to read ahead of time. They can also provide additional peace of mind for substitutes with bell schedules, parking instructions and directions on which door to enter in the morning.
 
Wadhams said those types of supportive actions continue as the school day moves along. She said teachers, paraeducators and staff members have been kind and generous to her at every LPS building.
 
“I’m a little bit anxious every time I go into a new place, but every time I do go into a new place, everyone is like, ‘We’re here if you need help,’” Wadhams said. “And they are. I have not had any negative experiences. Ever.”
 
Wadhams said she also enjoys her role because of the flexibility it offers. She and other substitute teachers are not limited to a certain minimum or maximum number of jobs they can take throughout the year.
 
“If you have to take a day off, you can,” Wadhams said. “I have grandchildren in Colorado, so if I want to go visit them, I can, and if I want to teach, I can do that. It’s a really good situation. I try to get to as many places as I can now because I love doing it, but if I need or want to take time off, I have that option.”
 
Wadhams said she would encourage people to explore the idea of becoming a substitute teacher at LPS. She said it has given her a chance to continue helping students in substantial ways every day.
 
“I appreciate the opportunity to be able to come in and do this,” Wadhams said. “It’s something that I genuinely enjoy.”
 
Substitute teachers like Judy Wadhams are making a major difference for LPS students and staff every day. Want to explore the possibility of joining them? Visit home.lps.org/hr/substitutes to learn about the application process, pay rates, handbooks and other essential information for substitute teachers.
 
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