Every week, we shine a spotlight on one Lincoln Public Schools staff member! This week, meet Makayla Watson, special education teacher at The Career Academy.

“Makayla joined us at TCA this last school year from Lincoln Northeast. She has been an amazing addition to our staff and has quickly taken on leadership roles within the building. She has worked with our Southeast Community College early childhood instructor to develop and pilot a new program for students with special needs to earn a Child Development Associate (CDA) certificate, while also organizing and supervising practicum placements at local daycare centers for these students. She has seamlessly immersed herself into the TCA culture, and it is hard to believe she has only been with us since August. She is an asset to our building and is always quick to lend a hand and help problem solve. In addition, she is well respected by students. As one of our Academic Center teachers, she works with students to help ensure they stay on track in their college level coursework, and in doing so has an amazing ability to build relationships with students. She spends time getting to know them and has built trust with the students she serves.” - Jocelyn Crabtree, TCA coordinator

In a few sentences, briefly describe your role at LPS.

I'm a special education teacher for LPS. Over the last year, I've developed, implemented and taught a new district program at The Career Academy (TCA) that prepares students for post-secondary employment in early childhood education. The program provides students with skills and experiences to help them gain their Child Development Associate (CDA) certificate and obtain jobs in the early childhood field upon graduation.

How long have you worked for LPS?

I am going into my seventh year with LPS. I worked as a special education teacher at Lincoln Northeast beginning in 2020 and transitioned to TCA in 2025.

What inspired you to become part of the education field at LPS?

I student-taught in LPS in the 2016-17 school year and instantly appreciated the community feel from each school. Once I graduated from college, I knew it was always my end goal to return to LPS as a special education teacher. As I have continued in the district, one of my favorite parts is welcoming and serving students (and families) with a variety of backgrounds to help prepare them for life outside of school.

What has been your favorite part of working here? What aspect of your job do you find most rewarding?

I love my job, and it's truly difficult to pick one thing. The new TCA early childhood program has been incredibly rewarding in assisting students and families to prepare for life outside of high school. Part of the program model allows students some community experiences to assist in local childcare centers, and several students have received job offers and employment from their placements! I am grateful to be serving a unique population of students (and their families) in programming that supports lifelong employment skills.

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

Community. It takes the entire LPS team to make our buildings a place where positive learning happens, and LPS staff show up to do that each and every day.

Did you attend LPS as a student? If so, which school(s)? If not, where are you from?

I did not attend any LPS schools. I grew up in Highlands Ranch, Colo., and attended Heritage Elementary, Mountain Ridge Middle School, and Mountain Vista High School.

What path did you take after completing your formal education?

Once I graduated high school, I attended Doane University (then Doane College) and completed my bachelor's degree in elementary education and special education in 2017. My husband and I moved to central Nebraska and taught for three years in smaller districts prior to moving back to Lincoln. I am thankful for my time in central Nebraska, but I was eager to get back to LPS where students who receive special education services have some incredible opportunities for learning and growth. My transition to The Career Academy last fall was unexpected, but it aligned perfectly with a goal I first identified in college: helping students develop the skills, confidence, and experiences needed to become productive, independent members of the community with meaningful opportunities for gainful employment.

What do you enjoy most about the Lincoln community?

My family and I are on a mission to visit the local Lincoln shops and restaurants. Lincoln has an abundant amount of small, family-owned cultural markets, restaurants and shops that make this community feel like home to so many people. I am thankful to live in a place that is so welcoming to a variety of cultures that bring new perspectives and opportunities to our city and schools.

What is your favorite childhood book or a book that has influenced your life positively?

I love to read, and I think some of that is in part to "The Mysterious Benedict Society," which I read in elementary/middle school. The series highlights four young kids who use their unique intellectual abilities to problem solve their way out of some sticky situations. Finding a book I enjoyed while I was young has opened up the door for the reading I do now as an adult.

Share a shout out to a former special education teacher who impacted your life.

In high school, I took a class called "Peer Intern" where I was able to assist students who received life skills programming for a period. The teacher, Ms. Eileen Hernley, helped me understand my passion for students with different abilities. By the time my senior year rolled around, she worked to get me into other schools to see the differences in grades and students. She truly jump-started my college experience by allowing me to visit other schools, and I couldn't be more thankful. I have a picture of us on my desk at work, and I know I wouldn't be half the teacher I am today without her influence.

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