Staff Spotlight: Stephanie Galdamez-Spanish Teacher at Lincoln Northeast High School

Every week, we’ll shine a spotlight on one Lincoln Public Schools staff member! Get to know the wonderful people making a positive impact across various areas within LPS. This week, meet Stephanie Galdamez, Spanish teacher at Lincoln Northeast High School. 

"Profe. Galdamez is a beam of sunshine and makes learning a new language exciting and interesting. She makes my day. When I walk in her classroom in all of its colorful and calming glory, I feel at home. She is the most kind teacher I have ever had." - Lincoln Northeast student Autumn Eubank

Briefly describe your role at LPS.
I teach Spanish 1, Spanish 2, and Spanish for Spanish Speakers 1.

How long have you worked for LPS?
Six years.

What inspired you to become part of the education field at LPS?
I love working with students, and I love teaching them another language so they can become better global citizens by communicating with people in Spanish.

What has been your favorite part of working here? What aspect of your job do you find most rewarding?
I love laughing with students and creating inside jokes unique to our class. I taught at Park Middle School for five years, and this is my first year at Northeast, and every year the students challenge, impress and surprise me. 

Did you attend LPS as a student? If so, which school(s)? If not, where are you from?
I went to Waverly High School.

What path did you take after completing your formal education?
I studied abroad in Costa Rica for a semester, went to UNL and I am now completing my master's degree at UNL in developmental and learning sciences. 

What do you enjoy most about the Lincoln community?
I love Lincoln. Every place has its pros and cons, but Lincoln is full of so much beauty, and it feels like family. It's never hard to find a connection to someone here. Not only does it feel like family, but I have a lot of family. My uncle Mr. Dimon teaches at East, my aunt Madame Dimon taught at Southeast, and my uncle Mr. Brehm is a principal at Calvert. It's a small city, and it isn't hard to get involved in the community here. 

What is your favorite childhood book or a book that has influenced you positively?
My favorite book is “And Then There Were None” by Agatha Christie. I love reading her murder mystery books because she was so clever.

Share a shout out to a former teacher who impacted your life.
Alicia Shoemaker is my mentor, and she was my high school Spanish teacher. She is so positive all the time, and she is so genuine. After I graduated high school, she allowed me to observe her class and do an informal practicum to figure out if teaching was for me. She gave me advice when I was studying abroad, and she has given me so much life advice, and I still look up to her. She attended my wedding, and she and I have had several conversations over coffee about teaching, best practices and mental health.

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

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