New Educator Spotlight: Morgan Wilkinson

Every week, we will be featuring one of our new LPS educators to get to know a little more about them and why they chose to be an educator. This week's New Educator Spotlight is Morgan Wilkinson, third grade teacher at Morley Elementary School. 

Building/Department: Morley Elementary School

Teaching Assignment/Role: Third Grade

Why did you want to become an educator?
I wanted to become an educator so I could make a difference! Seeing students growth and watching them overcome challenges is beyond rewarding to me.

What has been your favorite part of working for Lincoln Public Schools?
All of the district staff have been incredible and the teams working within LPS buildings have been supportive and encouraging through these first weeks of school.

Did you attend Lincoln Public Schools as a student? If so, which school(s)?
I attended Hawthorne Elementary(no longer a school within LPS), Lefler Middle School and East High School

Where did you attend college?
University of Nebraska-Lincoln

What is your favorite part of being an educator?
My favorite part of being an educator is hearing all of the fun stories the students are excited to tell me and building meaningful relationships with them. I love being there for them through anything and also being insistent of their academic growth...all while making school a fun place to be!

Describe a time that you knew you made a difference for a student or group of students.  
During my last semester of school while student teaching, UNL ended earlier than LPS so I had to leave my students before the end of their school year. I just couldn't imagine not being there on their last day of school so I surprised them and showed up to wish them all a happy summer. When I saw their smiling faces, watched them cry happy tears and felt the biggest hugs, I knew I had made a difference in that classroom. One student told me "You are the only person that has ever made me feel like I belong somewhere". I will never forget that day.

What is a fun fact about you?
A fun fact is that teaching is a second career for me! I worked in a pediatric doctors office for many years before deciding to return to school and pursue teaching.

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