Staff Spotlight: Jay Lockard - skilled and technical sciences teacher at Scott

December 20, 2024

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 Jay Lockard, skilled and technical sciences teacher at Scott Middle School.

"I've seen firsthand how much Mr. Lockard cares for his students. He's always so welcoming to everyone and makes it his personal mission to make my school a better place. I'm so grateful for him, and I just think he deserves to be recognized for all that he does.” - Elaina, eighth grade student at Scott Middle School.

In a few sentences, briefly describe your role at LPS.
I teach skilled and technical sciences (STS), formerly called industrial technology and industrial arts, at Scott Middle School.

How long have you worked for LPS?
This is year 39 teaching at LPS.

What inspired you to become part of the education field at LPS?
My mom retired as a teacher from Kahoa Elementary, and my dad retired as the dean of trade and industry at Southeast Community College, but he started as an industrial arts teacher at Lefler Middle School. Having parents in education accounted for half of my influence to teach. The other half came from my personal desire to share my passion for the trades with others. I found myself mechanically inclined at a young age and marveled at the workings of anything from roller skates to small engines. I also valued the wisdom of older people with experience in the trades who helped guide me in my mechanical pursuits. From there I wanted to be part of passing on trades knowledge to others as my experience and knowledge increased. What better way to do that than become a teacher!

What has been your favorite part of working here? What aspect of your job do you find most rewarding?
I worked at a Conoco service station in high school and college for 10 years and really enjoyed the auto shop setting. I’ve made my school shop like a second home. My sister calls it my oasis! When students walk in, it’s like welcoming them into my home. A shop has a completely different feel than a classroom setting, and to see the look on students’ faces when they walk in for the first time is priceless. It’s very satisfying to watch students discover a passion in the STS area like I did many years ago. They might realize an unknown talent of making a precise technical drawing, using a tool or piece of power equipment for the first time, manipulating different mediums of materials, and most importantly, developing a confidence from these endeavors they never had before. Even more satisfying is seeing those students go on to become productive adults in society, especially in the trades, becoming teachers, or finding careers in engineering. I can only hope I had a small part in their journey.

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

What path did you take after completing your formal education?
I attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to earn my bachelor’s degree in grades 7-12 Industrial Education.

What do you enjoy most about the Lincoln community?
Teaching in Lincoln my entire life has allowed me to make a large number of connections with former students, colleagues and friends. It’s a thrill to have that first student who says, “You had my mom or dad as a student.” I’ve also had people in the community say they had my mom or dad as a teacher and tell me stories about them. Yes, Lincoln still has that small-town feel.

What is your favorite childhood book or a book that has influenced your life positively?
My favorite childhood book was “Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel.” Not only did

I appreciate the mechanical abilities of the Steam Shovel, but it taught me that like the Steam Shovel, our abilities and purposes change throughout life as we age. I think I’m getting close to becoming the Furnace. (If you know, you know!)

Share a shout out to a teacher who impacted your life.
I had too many incredibly caring teachers to mention from my formative years going through LPS, but I would like to give a "shout out" to retired LPS industrial education teachers and others that helped me become the teacher I am today. Those teachers were Jim Neal, Matt Wagner, Jane Edwards, Tom Kaedy, Joe Wittgren, Dave Wolff, Jerry Kohl, Bob Armagost, Rollie Gast, Jeff McCabe, Dan Widhelm, Denny Van Horn, Jim Kinney, Bill Jordan, Rich Meyers, coach/PE teacher Bill Hunsaker, UNL professors Dr. Neil Edmunds, Neil Munson, Dr. Max Hansen, Dr. George Rodgers, and my dad, Keith Lockard.

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

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