Staff Spotlight: Risa Udell - first grade teacher at Morley Elementary School

August 15, 2025

Every week, we shine a spotlight on one Lincoln Public Schools staff member! This week, meet Risa Udell, first grade teacher at Morley Elementary School.

“Risa thinks about school all of the time. Risa loves to learn and research ways to continually improve her practices. She is so reflective in her practices and has the best interest of her students at the core of everything she does. She has embraced Community Circles and restorative practices in her first grade classroom. Risa collaborated daily with the special education teacher to provide the best support for a student in her classroom. Her efforts truly impacted his school life.” - Brandi Hennerberg, Morley Elementary School principal.

How long have you worked for LPS?
I've worked for LPS for 25 years. Prior to teaching at Morley, I taught at Meadow Lane where I taught kindergarten, first and second grades.

What inspired you to become part of the education field at LPS?
When I was choosing a career in the early 1980s, the jobs that women seemed to gravitate to were either nursing or teaching. My sister went to school to be a nurse. I went to school to be a teacher. I obtained my first job in a small public school in central Nebraska. I instantly loved the creativity and challenges of teaching. I loved getting to know the children. 

After a couple of years, I decided that in order to be a better teacher of reading I needed more school. I returned to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln full time to work on a master’s in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in reading. After completing my master’s, I began pursuing a doctorate. As part of my program, I began working in an LPS first grade classroom with Sean Porter. He was an amazing teacher and inspired me to be a teacher in LPS. Twenty-five years later, I can say that I'm inspired every day by amazing teachers and administrators. The people who teach me and inspire me the most are the children. I'm so thankful for each one I've had the privilege to work with. 

What has been your favorite part of working here? What aspect of your job do you find most rewarding?
I'm surrounded by professionals (teachers, administrators and district support). I love learning from these folks every day. I work with two amazing teachers, Kris Sprague and Mindy Pinkelman. Each day we share strategies, ideas and materials. Our goal is always to support the learning of our students.  

The aspect of my job that is the most rewarding is seeing the growth of my students in reading, writing, math, social skills and more.   

Did you attend LPS as a student? If so, which school(s)? If not, where are you from?
I am from Burwell, Neb., and attended Burwell Public Schools. There were 27 in my elementary classes and 51 in my graduating class. In high school, I was a cheerleader, baton twirler, played the trumpet, baritone and tuba in the band and accompanied many individuals and groups on the piano.  

What path did you take after completing your formal education? 
I received a Bachelor of Science in Education from UNL. I taught at the May Institute for Autistic Children in Chatham, Mass., for a couple of years. I then taught a combination third/fourth grade class in Ericson, Neb. After that, I went to UNL to pursue a master’s in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in reading. I have a master’s +36. My first position with LPS was at Meadow Lane Elementary School.

What do you enjoy most about the Lincoln community?
Lincoln provides me with opportunities to make friends, explore interests and serve others. At my church, I play the piano for several groups. I joined a bell choir last year and performed with Abendmusik and the New Year's Last Blast. I provide music for a service called Anybody Everybody and attend camp with my friends from this group. 

What is your favorite childhood book or a book that has influenced your life positively?
My favorite book is “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane” by Kate DiCamillo.  Without giving away the plot, this book is about the paths taken, the people along the way and a miracle. As I wind down my teaching career, I find myself reflecting upon my own journey.

Share a shout out to a former teacher who impacted your life.
Nancy Woeppel was my fifth grade music teacher. She was talented, theatrical and energetic. 

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

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