Every week, we shine a spotlight on one Lincoln Public Schools staff member! This week, meet Aqeel Fadhil, school counselor at Dawes Middle School.
“Aqeel is new to school counseling and new to Dawes, but has been employed with LPS for years as the Arabic bilingual liaison before changing roles this year. His ability to connect with families in many different buildings was proven in his previous role. Now as a counselor, he carries that same support into our school, and has made connections with school counselors and students. He is always positive and very welcoming. He’s a wonderful member of our counseling team and has thoughtful new ideas to serve our students. We know that representation matters, and I think the Arabic community understands the impact he has on people. I feel so lucky that we get to have his impact felt at Dawes Middle School.” - Becky Tegeler, school counselor
In a few sentences, briefly describe your role at LPS.
I'm a school counselor at LPS. My job is to support students academically, socially, emotionally, and as they plan for what's next. I work alongside families and staff to make sure every student has what they need to thrive. And coming from my background as a bilingual liaison, I also help bridge communication with families and speak up for students who might otherwise go unheard.
How long have you worked for LPS?
For the past 10 years, I have been dedicated to serving students and families at LPS. I began my journey as a bilingual liaison, where I served as a bridge between Arabic-speaking families and the school. I helped with translations, interpreted during parent-school counselor conferences, supported family engagement, and made sure that language was never a barrier to a family's involvement in their child's education. That role gave me a deep understanding of the challenges our families face and the importance of culturally responsive support.
After growing professionally and gaining valuable experience over the years, I was ready to take on a bigger responsibility, and I transitioned into the role of a school counselor. In this position, I work directly with students to support their academic progress, social-emotional well-being, and college and career readiness. I also collaborate with school counselors, administrators, and families to create a safe and supportive environment where every student feels seen and valued.
My background as a bilingual liaison continues to shape my work because I can connect with families in their native language and advocate for students who may otherwise go unheard. Over the past decade, my commitment to equity, student success, and family engagement has only grown stronger, and I am proud to continue making a difference in the LPS community.
What inspired you to become part of the education field at LPS?
My inspiration to join the education field at LPS came from a personal understanding of how important it is for families to feel heard and supported in their child's education. Ten years ago, I started as a bilingual liaison because I wanted to be that bridge for Arabic-speaking families who needed someone in their corner. Through that role, I witnessed the profound impact that a caring, culturally responsive educator can have on a student's life. That experience inspired me to grow professionally and become a school counselor so I could support students not just academically, but also socially and emotionally. I chose LPS specifically because of its commitment to diversity and equity, and I wanted to be part of a community that values every student and family. After a decade here, I can honestly say it has been the most rewarding decision of my career.
What has been your favorite part of working here? What aspect of your job do you find most rewarding?
My favorite part of working at LPS has been the opportunity to grow alongside the community I serve. Over the past decade, I have built deep, meaningful relationships with students, families, and colleagues who have shaped me both personally and professionally. Watching students I first met as bilingual liaison students go on to graduate, pursue higher education, and give back to their community has been one of the greatest joys of my career.
The most rewarding aspect of my work is knowing that I make a difference in moments that matter most. As a school counselor, I have the privilege of walking alongside students during pivotal moments in their lives, celebrating their successes, supporting them through setbacks, and helping them discover their own strength and potential. There is no greater reward than seeing a student's confidence grow and knowing that I played a part in their journey.
In one word, what makes you proud to work for LPS?
Impact!
Did you attend LPS as a student? If so, which school(s)? If not, where are you from?
No, I did not attend LPS as a student. I grew up in Baghdad, Iraq, where I earned my bachelor's degree in English. Education has always been part of my life. My father was a principal, so I grew up watching firsthand the impact a school leader can have on students, families, and the community. That upbringing shaped who I am today and gave me a deep appreciation for the power of education and communication. Those values eventually led me to the education field here at LPS first as a bilingual liaison and now as a school counselor. While I did not grow up in this community, I have called LPS home for the past 10 years, and I am proud to serve the students and families here.
What path did you take after completing your formal education?
After completing my bachelor's degree in English in Baghdad, Iraq, my journey took me across the world. I first moved to California, where I began building a new life and navigating the challenges of adapting to a new culture and language. That experience gave me a deep empathy for families going through similar transitions and something that would later shape my career.
I eventually moved to Nebraska, and that is where my path in education truly began. I started at LPS as a bilingual liaison, serving as a bridge between Arabic-speaking families and their schools. Over time, I realized I wanted to do more and not just support communication, but support students' overall well-being and success. That desire led me to pursue my master's degree at Doane University, where I am currently completing my program. My role evolved from bilingual liaison to school counselor, and I have now been with LPS for 10 years. My journey from Baghdad to California to Nebraska has shaped me into the school counselor I am today, and I would not trade any part of it.
What do you enjoy most about the Lincoln community?
What I enjoy most about the Lincoln community is its warmth and diversity. It truly feels like a place where people support one another, and I have experienced that firsthand over the past 10 years. Lincoln has welcomed me, and I have watched it grow into a community that values inclusion and connection.
Through my role as a school counselor, I have the privilege of sharing my own background with my students. I want my students to see that no matter where you come from or what challenges you face, success is possible. When I share my story, I hope it inspires them to dream big, work hard, and believe in themselves. That connection of being able to say, "I have been where you are, and I made it" is one of the most meaningful parts of my work.
What is your favorite childhood book or a book that has influenced your life positively?
One book that had a profound educational influence on me was مقدمة ابن خلدون “The Muqaddimah” by Ibn Khaldun. I first encountered it as a student in Baghdad, reading it in its original Arabic. It opened my eyes to the idea that history, society, and human behavior can be studied and understood in a systematic way. Ibn Khaldun was a pioneer in sociology, historiography and economics centuries before those fields even existed in the world. Reading his work in Arabic taught me that knowledge is not limited by geography or culture, and that wisdom can come from anywhere.
That lesson shaped me as an educator. It reminds me that every student brings a unique perspective and a wealth of knowledge from their own background. As a school counselor, I carry that belief with me that every student has something valuable to contribute, and my role is to help them discover and develop it.
Share a shoutout to a former school counselor who impacted your life.
I would like to give a shout-out to my father, who was a principal and my very first school counselor. He did not just teach me from a textbook but he taught me through his example. Growing up in Baghdad, I watched him lead his school with patience, fairness, and genuine care for every student and family. He showed me that education is not just a profession; it is a calling. He believed in the power of learning to transform lives, and he lived that belief every single day.
When I was a bilingual liaison, and now as a school counselor, I carry his lessons with me. He taught me that every student deserves to be seen, that every family deserves to be heard, and that leadership means serving others. I would not be where I am today without his influence. This shout-out is for him. Thank you, Baba, for showing me the way.
A special shout-out to my wife, who has been my biggest supporter and inspiration throughout this journey. She believed in me, encouraged me, and helped me see that becoming a school counselor was more than just a career. It was a calling.
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