Staff Spotlight: Cristina Villa-Huerta - English teacher at Lefler Middle School

“Cristina is a perfect fit for our seventh grade team! She is hardworking, intelligent and caring with students as well as staff. We are so lucky to have her at Lefler, and I look forward to witnessing all the wonderful things she will do this year!” - Stephanie VanGelder, teacher at Lefler Middle School. 

In a few sentences, briefly describe your role at LPS.
I'm a seventh grade English teacher and academic interventionist at Lefler Middle School.

How long have you worked for LPS?
I'm a first-year teacher at Lefler, but I did my practicum and student teaching at Lincoln High School, where I also taught as a long-term substitute during the 2023-2024 school year. 

What inspired you to become part of the education field at LPS?
Being a product of LPS myself, I knew how impactful this school district was. I knew I wanted to be a teacher since I was in high school. Experiencing the strength of the community and having such positive school culture experiences gave me all the reasons I needed to stay in Lincoln.

What has been your favorite part of working here? What aspect of your job do you find most rewarding?
The people. Getting to meet all the students and staff and know their personalities is the best part of a profession like teaching. Especially at Lefler, I'm so fortunate to get to know a diverse set of backgrounds, identities and all walks of life from everyone at our school. The most rewarding part of the job is constantly learning and growing alongside my students.

Did you attend LPS as a student? If so, which school(s)? If not, where are you from?
I attended Fredstrom Elementary School and Schoo Middle School, and I graduated from Lincoln North Star High School in 2020.

What path did you take after completing your formal education?
I attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln studying secondary English language arts education from 2020-2024.

What do you enjoy most about the Lincoln community?
Lincoln is the perfect definition of a big city that feels like a small town. Growing up in Lincoln, I never found myself being bored. Getting involved in my school and local community helped me appreciate my hometown and helped me realize how important building relationships can be. Lincoln has so many things to offer, but the best part is how often the people come together to celebrate each other.

What is your favorite childhood book or a book that has influenced your life positively?
"Oh, The Places You'll Go!" by Dr. Suess. A classic, this was one of the first books I ever read by myself as a child. Being a first-generation college student, it has an extra special place in my heart when I received it as a graduation gift.

Share a shout out to a teacher who impacted your life.
I'd like to shout out Ms. Halsey who was my social studies teacher at Lincoln North Star. A true mentor who taught me the importance of being a teacher of color in the classroom, and an inspiration to so many.

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