Every week, we shine a spotlight on one Lincoln Public Schools staff member! This week, meet Malia Pope, Spanish teacher at Lincoln North Star High School.

“Mrs. Pope is the ‘original’ Gator since 2003 when North Star opened. She is a great leader in the Spanish program and always offers great advice to the team.” - Chun-Yi Coral Su, North Star High School, World Languages Dept. chair

How long have you worked for LPS?
I just finished my 23rd year in LPS.

What inspired you to become part of the education field at LPS?
I always loved school and had so many smart teachers that it was pretty natural for me to want to be a teacher.

What has been your favorite part of working here? What aspect of your job do you find most rewarding?
I really love the North Star community. I have learned so much from my students, their families and all of my coworkers. My world languages team at North Star is very special to me. If you stop by our office at lunchtime, you may hear us telling funny stories about our families, sharing recipes, solving problems or brainstorming our next new idea. We're a group of people who celebrate and support each other on a regular basis. I'm certain that I've lasted in education and enjoyed my work because of the great teachers I've worked with throughout the years.

In one word, what makes you proud to work for LPS?
Community.

Did you attend LPS as a student? If so, which school(s)? If not, where are you from?
I attended Pyrtle and Holmes as an elementary student, East Junior High and I graduated from East High School.

What path did you take after completing your formal education?
I graduated from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and started teaching in Fairbury. After a couple of years there, I moved to Boulder, Colo., with a friend and taught in a school district on the Front Range. While I lived in Colorado, I spent several summers in Vermont, where I completed a master's degree in Spanish at Middlebury College. When North Star opened in 2003, I decided that it was time to move closer to my family.

What do you enjoy most about the Lincoln community?
Lincoln is the perfect size—not too big and not too small.

What is your favorite childhood book or a book that has influenced your life positively?
I love to read, so my favorite book has always been the one I'm currently reading.

Share a shout out to a former teacher who impacted your life.
My list of special LPS people is pretty long, but I have to mention Susan Ptacek (because I still remember many of the lessons from her Spanish class) and Nancy Becker (who I've known my whole life and who hired me to work at North Star).

Do you know a LPS staff member we should feature for Staff Spotlight? Fill out this form to nominate them!