Every week, we shine a spotlight on one Lincoln Public Schools staff member! This week, meet Lacey Hanley, paraeducator at Norwood Park Elementary School.

“Lacey is a wonderful, long-term special education para at Norwood Park. I was fortunate to train with her when I started as a new para. She showed me the ropes and welcomed me to the building. Lacey is positive, patient and caring with the scholars she supports. Her experience, calm demeanor and kindness make her a joy to work with. Teachers speak very highly of her!” - Amy Montgomery, paraeducator

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

I am a special education paraeducator at Norwood Park Elementary. I assist teachers with a few scholars in various classrooms who need a little extra support in completing daily tasks during their school days.

How long have you worked for LPS?

This is my eighth school year.

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

Education has always been important to me, and I know teachers have an incredibly difficult job, so I want to do what I can to help!

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

I love building relationships with scholars, and then getting to see how they progress and grow academically and socially is very rewarding to me.

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

Improvement. 

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

Yes. I attended Meadow Lane Elementary, Culler Middle School, then Lincoln Northeast High School.

What path did you take after completing your formal education?

After graduating from LNE, I attended Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa, for two years, then transferred to Nebraska Wesleyan and graduated in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. My first job after NWU was in recruiting at Crete Carrier Corp. After having my first son, I decided to get into early childhood and worked at his daycare for a year. Then, I learned the center I worked at during college was hiring, and I worked there for five years. I really enjoyed the early childhood education field, but I was working long hours. My children were going to elementary school, and I applied for early childhood at Norwood Park.  In the summer of 2019, LPS and Norwood Park offered me the special education para position, and that schedule actually worked best for me since I’d have basically the same schedule as my children.

What do you enjoy most about the Lincoln community?

Lincoln is a big small town.

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

I remember my dad reading “Green Eggs and Ham.”

Share a shoutout to a former educator who impacted your life.

I had some great teachers growing up. It’d be too hard to name just one.

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