Every week, we shine a spotlight on one Lincoln Public Schools staff member! This week, meet Cody Liss, teacher at Irving Middle School.

“He is a great teacher and he can grow relationships with all of the students. He makes teaching easy and fun to learn.” - Jordynn, LPS student

“Mr. Liss is an amazing teacher and is there for all of his students. Every time I walk past his room there are students lining up just to talk to him. He cares for everyone and makes time for all of his students. Whenever I talk to him he always makes sure to ask me how my day is. He is always able to have good meaningful conversations with all of his students. ” - MaLeah, LPS student

In a few sentences, briefly describe your role at LPS.
This fall, I’ll be teaching health and physical education for the first time at Irving Middle School. I'm very excited for this new challenge and am blessed I was able to stay at Irving after teaching seventh grade math the past three years.

How long have you worked for LPS?
Ten years - seven at Meadow Lane Elementary and three at Irving Middle School.

What inspired you to become part of the education field at LPS?
In college, I worked at the Fallbrook YMCA after-school program at Kooser Elementary School and was also a summer camp counselor. As I led and worked with kids, I learned how fulfilling it was to help them learn and grow. This feeling became contagious and continues to fuel me each and every day. Once I graduated from college, I researched public school districts in Lincoln and Omaha and decided that LPS was the best fit for me.

What has been your favorite part of working here? What aspect of your job do you find most rewarding?It's far and away the relationships I've built with colleagues and students. I've made lifelong friends with several colleagues who are there for me inside and outside of school. Students have to trust and feel safe around you in order for them to take risks in the classroom such as asking questions, working with others and sharing their answers. I do my best to keep learning fun and engaging, which I believe students thrive on. I have a designated binder and email folder where I save student notes and emails saved from the past ten years. I enjoy reading them when I'm having an off day. They make you smile, laugh, cry and reflect on the impact you've made on them. I still hear from former students that I taught in 2016 and have become family friends with many others on this rewarding journey.

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

Did you attend LPS as a student? If so, which school(s)? If not, where are you from?
I grew up in Columbus, Neb., and graduated from Columbus High School in 2011 before moving to Lincoln to attend college.

What path did you take after completing your formal education?
I graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a degree in elementary education in 2016. After teaching for a few years, I went back to UNL and earned my Master of Arts in educational administration. I went back to get my master's because I wanted the opportunity to continue to grow and challenge myself.

What do you enjoy most about the Lincoln community?
The diversity and friendliness of the population. You can take your kids to a local park and meet people from all over the world. It helps you grow as a person and a teacher. My friends and family would know I'm fibbing if I didn't mention that it's nice having the Huskers in Lincoln as well.

What is your favorite childhood book or a book that has influenced your life positively?
“Heart of a Champion” by Carl Deuker. It's a baseball novel about a teenager who loses his father at a young age. The book teaches you about personal growth, perseverance and the influence of parents and role models. In middle school, it taught me life lessons about choices and responsibility.

Share a shout out to a former teacher who impacted your life.
This was an easy choice. John Petersen, also known as Coach P, from Columbus! Mr. Petersen held me to high expectations and was demanding, but that was because he wanted me to reach my potential. I firmly believe I teach the way I do today because of the impact he had on me. He knew when it was time to be serious, when to teach/coach hard and when to laugh. Most importantly, I knew he cared about me as a person and that's what mattered most.

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