Staff Spotlight: Jacob Loos - special education teacher at East

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 Jacob Loos, special education teacher at Lincoln East High School.

“Jake goes above and beyond for all of his students. He is excellent at communicating with students, staff and parents. He is our restorative practices coach and will meet with any staff member at the drop of a hat to help them learn how to have restorative chats. His skill set is so valuable to our school and community. I often say that I wish I could clone him. He is a true marigold, and I feel so lucky to work with him!” - McKenzie Potthoff, school counselor at Lincoln East High School. 

In a few sentences, briefly describe your role at LPS.
I am an educator at Lincoln East High School. I serve the special education population as well as help our support center to serve all those who need it. My job is to help provide skill instruction and to build relationships with staff and students. The goal is to guide struggling students through high school so that they can be contributing members of our Lincoln community.

How long have you worked for LPS?
This is my 27th year in Lincoln Public Schools.

What inspired you to become part of the education field at LPS?
Knowing the impact that just one positive adult can have on a life led me to choose to be a teacher. I am a product of LPS and believe in what this district has done, is doing and can do for our students.  

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 building relationships that allow me to support students and staff. The most rewarding aspect of my job is watching students succeed when they didn't believe it was possible as well as supporting staff through restorative conversations.  

Did you attend LPS as a student? If so, which school(s)? If not, where are you from?
I attended Lakeview Elementary, Everett Junior High and Lincoln High School, with over 65 members of my family graduating from Lincoln High as well as our family being inducted into the Lincoln High Athletic Hall of Fame.  

What path did you take after completing your formal education?
After completing a five-and-a-half-year program at UNL for elementary education and special education, I began my career as a teacher by taking over for one of my cooperating teachers as a long-term substitute at West Lincoln Elementary.  

What do you enjoy most about the Lincoln community?
Lincoln has always been a big small town. I have always been proud of Lincoln and of the schools that I and many of my family have attended. Knowing that this community has provided for my family for many generations makes this a special place for all of us.  

What is your favorite childhood book or a book that has influenced your life positively?
“Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak!

Share a shout out to a teacher who impacted your life.
I have been fortunate enough to have many teachers who have impacted my life. Unfortunately many of them are no longer with us, so I am going to call out the staff at Huntington from 1999-2018. I learned more about myself and how to be a teacher from those ladies and gentlemen. How grace and accountability go hand in hand. How everyone works together to provide what is needed no matter how challenging it may be.

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

---