Staff Spotlight: Aaron Flores-Fourth Grade Teacher at West Lincoln Elementary 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 Aaron Flores, fourth grade teacher at West Lincoln Elementary School. 

“My most fond year I have so far of attending LPS is my second grade year with Mr. Flores. He made every day a new adventure, always made sure to communicate with his students, and he made the place feel like a home. He always puts his students before himself and is just a great human being.” - Graidys Hernandez, student at Schoo Middle School. 

How long have you worked for LPS?
I’m currently in my ninth year working for LPS and going on my 12th year of teaching in all.

What inspired you to become part of the education field at LPS?
When I think of LPS, I think of professional teaching. I’ve always wanted to “go pro” in the profession. I remember having the most success with teachers who made learning fun and entertaining for me, so now it’s my turn to reciprocate that and try to make school a place that kids want to be. 

What has been your favorite part of working here? What aspect of your job do you find most rewarding?
My favorite part of the profession is by far the connections and relationships that I’ve made with my students. I enjoy connecting with students on an individual level, learning about their lives and interests, and finding unique ways to show them that I truly care. When a former student goes out of their way to say “hi,” or asks how my family is or shoots me an email, that is incredibly rewarding. Even better is when they have all sorts of amazing updates about the things they are accomplishing in their own lives that they want to tell me about. When they want to stay connected with me and keep me in the loop, that is the reward of teaching.

Did you attend LPS as a student? If so, which school(s)? If not, where are you from?
I attended College View Academy here in Lincoln for most of my schooling but did attend Southwest High School for three years.

What path did you take after completing your formal education?
My first teaching job was in McAllen, Texas, a city that is right on the border of Texas and Mexico. I taught second grade there for three years. I met my wife down there, who is also a teacher.  She ended up accepting a teaching job in Lincoln of all places, which brought me back to the Good Life. I subbed for a year and eventually found my way here to West Lincoln Elementary, and have been here ever since.     
What do you enjoy most about the Lincoln community?
I appreciate the support. In Lincoln, there are a plethora of wonderful and accepting families from all over the world. I’ve noticed that families, especially the ones I have worked with, are willing to open up and give us (teachers) their trust and support. Having supportive communities backing the work we do is a blessing. 

What is your favorite childhood book or a book that has influenced you positively?
My favorite book as a young child was “The Monster at the End of This Book.” A classic picture book from the Sesame Street collection geared toward young readers, yet I think has many valuable lessons that are applicable to any age group. My favorite chapter book as a kid was “Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH.” This classic reminds the reader how powerful curiosity and knowledge can be.

Share a shout out to a former teacher who impacted your life.
I would like to shout out Mrs. Bushhousen, who I took several math courses from while attending Southwest High School. She empowered me with a genuine sense of confidence and helped me feel like I was truly understanding the content. Plus, she was funny and full of personality which I hadn’t seen in a teacher before. That was the first time I thought about exploring a career in education.

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

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