Staff Spotlight: Hailey Greene-Second Grade Teacher at McPhee 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 Hailey Greene, second grade teacher at McPhee Elementary School.

“Hailey’s passion for her scholars' success shines every day. She works countless hours to be prepared for a year full of learning with her scholars. Hailey also is the leader of our school's Community Building Team, meaning she not only cares for her scholars, but also her colleagues. When walking through the hallway of McPhee, you can always count on a positive and upbeat attitude from Miss Greene. Overall, all scholars who have a chance to work with Miss Greene will be scholars who make a difference in the world today.” - kindergarten teacher Amanda Sherrill at McPhee Elementary School

How long have you worked for LPS?
I am currently in my fourth year with LPS. I started my career teaching first grade at Belmont Elementary School, then moved to McPhee Elementary School where I teach second grade and absolutely love it!

What inspired you to become part of the education field at LPS?
Ever since I was little, I always knew I wanted to become a teacher. I remember playing school with my cousins and wanting to be the teacher, so I could be the one to help everybody. I love working with kids and watching their faces light up with joy when they finally accomplish a skill they have been working so hard on! As a person of color, I try to foster diversity and acceptance within my classroom. I have always strived to do everything I can to show my students that they are loved, appreciated and free to be their true authentic selves. I want to make sure I have built a classroom culture of compassion, respect and support. My goal has always been for my students to leave my room knowing that they are capable of anything they set their minds to!

What has been your favorite part of working here? What aspect of your job do you find most rewarding?
My favorite part of working for LPS has been the amazing relationships I have built with my students and their families. I also have the most amazing and supportive colleagues within my building. The most rewarding part of my job is being able to watch my students learn, grow and begin to discover who they are as young scholars!

Did you attend LPS as a student? If so, which school(s)? If not, where are you from?
Yes! I attended Calvert Elementary School, Pound Middle School and Lincoln Southeast High School.

What path did you take after completing your formal education?
I attended the University of Nebraska–Lincoln where I graduated with my bachelor's degree in elementary and special education with a minor in child, youth, and family studies.

What do you enjoy most about the Lincoln community?
Lincoln has a variety of things to do with family and friends! I can always find a great restaurant to go to and catch a movie or some live theater. Of course, I'm a Husker fan and enjoy cheering on the team in a variety of sports.

What is your favorite childhood book or a book that has influenced you positively?
I enjoyed reading the "Junie B. Jones" series when I was in elementary school. The books were always so fun and made me laugh!

Share a shout out to a former teacher who impacted your life?
I have had a lot of great teachers throughout my years at Lincoln Public Schools, so it’s hard to choose just one.

My fifth grade teacher, Karen McWilliams, was a dynamic teacher! She had unique ways of presenting topics that made me want to learn about them. She excelled in student engagement and building relationships that helped make learning seem effortless.

In high school, I had the opportunity to play basketball for coach Heather Leader and the Southeast Knights. It was obvious that she believed in me as an athlete and found ways to motivate me to achieve my best!

Hillary Dodson (former EL teacher at Clinton Elementary School) and Kathy Simpson (kindergarten teacher at Belmont Elementary School) were fabulous cooperating teachers that I had as I went through the teaching program at UNL. Both of these educators taught me so many things about classroom management and student engagement. The passion and drive they had further inspired me to continue to grow and be that same caliber of teacher.

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

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