Staff Spotlight: Lisa Ryba - special education teacher at McPhee Elementary School

July 4, 2025

Every week, we shine a spotlight on one Lincoln Public Schools staff member! This week, meet Lisa Ryba, special education teacher at McPhee Elementary School.

“Lisa has been a teacher in LPS for 25 years and has spent ALL those years at McPhee. She is a wonderful teacher and colleague who works hard for our scholars who need the most support. She is a voice for them while teaching them ways to become independent. She develops trusting relationships with her scholars and families. She has developed a program where scholars in fourth and fifth grade can come to her room and work with the scholars in Life Skills. Everyone wants to go to her classroom to help! It is called STABLE and stands for Students and Teachers Accelerating the Behaviors and Learning for Everyone. Scholars have to fill out an application if they are interested. On the application, scholars have to say what their strengths are and why they would be a good candidate for working with younger scholars. To walk into Lisa's room and see scholars working with scholars in Life Skills is a beautiful sight that fills your heart. It makes your heart smile to see all scholars being included! McPhee is very lucky to have Lisa as a teacher and colleague!” - Callie Keller, interventionist at McPhee Elementary School.

In a few sentences, briefly describe your role at LPS.
I am an elementary special education teacher who serves students with IEPs (individualized education plans) that are primarily focused on the area of Life Skills. I provide support to my students in a variety of areas, including academic, social, communication and daily living skills. My role is to help my students develop practical skills that are necessary for daily living, independence and success both inside and outside of the classroom setting.

How long have you worked for LPS?
I just finished my 25th year of teaching at LPS and have been fortunate enough to be a McPhee Mustang the entire time.

What inspired you to become part of the education field at LPS?
My mother was a paraprofessional at LPS, and I remember listening to stories about the students with whom she worked. Her stories highlighted the good days and the more challenging days, but what I remember most are the connections that she made with her students and the impact she had on their lives. From then on, I knew that I wanted to be a special education teacher. I had a strong desire to build positive relationships with my own students, provide them with meaningful learning experiences and become their advocate whenever they needed it.

What has been your favorite part of working here? What aspect of your job do you find most rewarding?
There are so many wonderful things about working at McPhee! I would have to say that my favorite part is building relationships with students, families and staff. Watching our students make connections and become more independent in their day-to-day routines and activities is one of the most amazing things. We celebrate each victory for every student, no matter how big or small, because it's meaningful to them. It's also very rewarding to be able to work with a dedicated group of staff members who want each and every student to be successful.

Did you attend LPS as a student? If so, which school(s)? If not, where are you from?
When I was in elementary school, I attended a one-room school just outside of Lincoln. We had grades K-6 all in one room with only one teacher. There were at most 13 kids when I attended elementary school. I attended Everett Junior High School before it became Everett Elementary in Lincoln. All of the students from Everett Junior High moved to Park Middle School once it was built. I was part of the first class to be promoted from Park Middle School. I then attended Lincoln High School for all of my high school career.

What path did you take after completing your formal education?
I attended one year at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and then transferred to the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) to complete my dual degree in elementary/special education. Many years later, I returned to UNL to complete my master's degree.

What do you enjoy most about the Lincoln community?
I feel like Lincoln has a strong sense of community. Most people are friendly and willing to lend a helping hand to others.

What is your favorite childhood book or a book that has influenced your life positively?
The book “Wonder,” by R.J. Palacio, is one that I really connected with as I have a son who was born with a similar syndrome as Auggie (the main character in the book). I was able to relate to many of the situations and feelings that were shared in this book. It's a book that I encourage every parent to read with their child. “Wonder” has many important life lessons that can be discussed with children, including bullying, seeing beyond people's differences, kindness and empathy.

Share a shout out to a former teacher who impacted your life.
One teacher who has always stood out to me is Mr. Myles Dymacek at Park Middle School. He taught social studies.

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

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