Every week, we shine a spotlight on one Lincoln Public Schools staff member! This week, meet Kim Anthony, English teacher at Lincoln Northwest High School.
“Ms. Anthony is the definition of an educator who leads by example, both for her students and her peers. Whether she is teaching ninth grade English or challenging Advanced Placement (AP) Composition students, she creates a vibrant, innovative environment where literature comes to life, quite literally, through her creative use of school spaces and ‘classroom campfires.’ Her impact extends far beyond the bell; she selflessly volunteers her time to lead the National Honor Society and teaches ACT prep classes.
She is frequently the last person to leave the building, a testament to her dedication. Her excellence is so well-recognized that school administrators use her classroom as a model for best practices: they come and they learn from her about strong instructional focus. Ms. Anthony doesn’t just teach students how to read and write; she teaches them how to think critically, engage deeply, and hold themselves to a higher standard of excellence.” - Sasha Van Zandt, associate principal, Lincoln East High School
In a few sentences, briefly describe your role at LPS.
I am a student-focused English 9D, Composition, AP Literature & Composition, John Baylor ACT Prep educator who is dedicated to creating a safe, positive learning space for maximum impact on students’ lives through the creation and maintenance of hospitable learning environments through the development and implementation of programming directed at the personal and academic success of students.
How long have you worked for LPS?
I have worked for LPS since the fall of 2013.
What inspired you to become part of the education field at LPS?
LPS has an incredible reputation and I wanted to be a part of continuing these high standards.
What has been your favorite part of working here? What aspect of your job do you find most rewarding?
Providing creative educational opportunities and long-lasting friendships has been a major bonus while teaching in LPS. There is a diversity and wealth of perspectives that is unique to our state’s size and demographics. Most importantly, LPS has a rare gift for making educators of all levels of experience feel “seen” and consistently provides opportunities for educators to learn while teaching. This trickles down to the excitement I feel in the classroom, never knowing where the students will ignite their curiosity or what this will inspire them to continue in the future.
In one word, what makes you proud to work for LPS?
Opportunity.
Did you attend LPS as a student? If so, which school(s)? If not, where are you from?
All of my formative education was in Omaha Public Schools–graduating from Omaha Northwest in 1991.
What path did you take after completing your formal education?
Since graduating from Dana College in Blair, Nebraska, with a B.A. in English education and a minor in theater in 1996, I have loved my work as a secondary English teacher. In addition to teaching as a mainstream English educator in the states of California, Illinois, Iowa and Nebraska, I have been a contracted special education teacher in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. Outside of the classroom, I have been a speech and debate coach and a speech/theater instructor, while effectively performing as the sole director of theater at Hastings High School from 2000 to 2004 and at Sioux City East High School from 2007 to 2011.
In the spring of 2012, I decided to return to my dream of furthering my education and relocated to Lincoln. I worked as a graduate teaching assistant for the Office of Academic Affairs at UNL and completed a Master of Arts in teaching, learning, and teacher education (summer of 2013), successfully defending my thesis, “Process Drama: A Medium for Creating a Hospitable Space for Learning through Reverent Listening.”
During my first 10 years with LPS, I had the great pleasure to teach at Southeast High School. Later, I transferred to Northwest High School to help develop a new school identity and foster greater academic rigor. Today, I continue to contribute to the high standards routinely facilitated in Lincoln Public Schools and hope to always be excited about a new school year.
What do you enjoy most about the Lincoln community?
Lincoln is a fantastic place to raise and educate children. As a product of a public school and as an educator in LPS, I had the utmost confidence that my children would be given the best opportunities in education. Here, ALL children have a wealth of opportunities that constantly evolve to meet their individual needs with diverse applications to learning. Every day, I feel gratitude for benefiting from these opportunities and for contributing to these opportunities.
What is your favorite childhood book or a book that has influenced your life positively?
As a young reader, I struggled and was always placed in the lowest reading group. However, I remember being transported to another reality for the first time while reading “A Wrinkle in Time” by Madeleine L'Engle. It created a curiosity and hunger for words that overcame my reading shortcomings, and the transformative power of reading became real. By seamlessly blending mind-bending astrophysics with a high-stakes battle between love and mindless conformity, Madeleine L'Engle gave me permission to embrace my quirks, trust my intellect, and realize that even the smallest, most imperfect person can push back against the darkness with love.
Share a shout out to a former teacher who impacted your life.
A heartfelt thank you to two incredible educators who have left an indelible mark on my learning journey, both as a student at Omaha Northwest and as a colleague at Lincoln Northwest High School.
Steven Bross at Omaha Northwest was the definition of a legendary veteran teacher. With years of wisdom, patience, and unwavering dedication, he had a rare gift for making complex concepts stick and inspiring students to look beyond the textbook. He was the first to help me fall in love with Shakespeare and the dramatic arts.
His classroom was always a space of stability, deep mentorship, and high standards. The lessons he taught went far beyond the curriculum - he showed what true passion for education looks like and was one of the reasons I became a teacher.
However, not all great teachers have years of experience behind their names. At Northwest, a second-year teacher has been instrumental in reigniting my innovative spark and helps me unpack the complexity of new curriculum and modern ways of attacking teaching. Azcia Fleming brings a fresh, dynamic energy to teaching. As a newer educator, she constantly introduces cutting-edge perspectives, modern approaches, and creative ways of thinking. She has this wonderful ability to challenge the status quo and teach me something new at every turn. Her enthusiasm is infectious, proving that the future of education is in exceptionally bright hands.
To both Steven Bross and Azcia Fleming: Thank you for bridging the best of experience and innovation. Your dedication has shaped minds and changed lives!
Do you know a LPS staff member we should feature for Staff Spotlight? Fill out this form to nominate them!