New Educator Spotlight: Ethan Carlson

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 Ethan Carlson, business teacher at Bay High Focus Program.

Building/Department: Bay High Focus Program

Teaching Assignment/Role: High School Business

Why did you want to become an educator?
In May, I graduated from UNL with a degree in business. I didn't realize that I wanted to become an educator until the final months of my last year in college. As I faced the big question of "What's next?", I realized that I wasn't called to a career in business and that my passions centered around investing in youth. However, I still wanted to use my degree because my college education was invaluable. The perfect intersection of those ideas was teaching business. I believe the best place to invest our resources is in the next generation because they offer a life's worth of return.

What has been your favorite part of working for Lincoln Public Schools?
Being a part of launching Bay High Focus Program has been the best part of working for Lincoln Public Schools. It is clear that the district's focus remains on student success. Students have access to incredible opportunities in LPS. Every student brings a unique story to the district, and every story has a place to belong.

Where did you attend college?
University of Nebraska-Lincoln

What is your favorite part of being an educator?
Conversations with students about their passions and interests, which are usually completely unrelated to any curriculum, are the best part of my day. The untapped ideas and potential in these students keeps every day interesting and fulfilling.

Describe a time that you knew you made a difference for a student or group of students.  
At Bay High, we say that kids can dream only as big as they've seen, so we're seeking to offer unique experiences. During field trips to business partners, I've seen students light up when they see an innovator, creator, or disruptor doing work they want to be doing. Those are the moments that matter.

What is a fun fact about you?
I've completed three half marathons.


Published: October 28, 2022, Updated: October 28, 2022