Staff Spotlight: Kylie Barber - first grade teacher at Robinson Elementary School

September 12, 2025

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

“Kylie's commitment to her classroom serving all children is truly remarkable. She has a tender spot for the students who might need a little more support, and she finds creative ways to ensure they don't feel any less for not being there YET. She is an asset to her team, always organizing and taking charge on big projects or anything new, and she never shies away from a challenge. I have learned SO much about teaching from watching her work in her classroom. She offers extensive flexible seating options and has first graders leading conversations better than some grown adults I know! I honestly believe every child in her class thinks in their heart ‘I might be Mrs. Barber's favorite’ because she really has that much love for each of them.” - Krista Couton, Robinson Elementary School general music specialist

How long have you worked for LPS?
This is my 13th year with LPS! Prior to teaching at Robinson, I was a reading and math interventionist at multiple schools, then taught second grade at Calvert Elementary for nine years.

What inspired you to become part of the education field at LPS?
A big part of my decision was the amazing practicum and student teaching experience I had with Anita Weyers at Calvert Elementary. She gave me great feedback but also trusted me to try new things and discover my own teaching style. Her support really confirmed that LPS was where I wanted to begin my teaching journey. Now, 13 years later, it’s a family affair — my dad, sister, and I all work for LPS!

What has been your favorite part of working here? What aspect of your job do you find most rewarding?
My favorite part is the kids. How amazing it is that families trust us with their children, and we get to learn with them, love them, and play a role in who they’re becoming? It’s a wild gift! The end of the year is always bittersweet for me, knowing we’ll never be that exact team again. But that’s the magic of this job, too. We grow these beautiful little communities and share so much together—successes, joys, mistakes, belly laughs—and then carry those experiences with us to new classrooms and schools and teams. There’s so much heart work that goes into teaching.

Did you attend LPS as a student? If so, which school(s)? If not, where are you from?
I grew up in Bellbrook, Ohio, and moved to Lincoln for my undergrad.

What path did you take after completing your formal education?
After my first year as an interventionist, there was a hiring freeze and I was surplus. I was devastated at the time, but it was the antecedent to a grand adventure. I ended up moving to Kathmandu, Nepal, and teaching English for two years—an experience that grew me in every imaginable way. In 2015, I returned to Lincoln and was hired to teach second grade at Calvert Elementary.

What do you enjoy most about the Lincoln community?
I never imagined I would stay in Lincoln after my undergrad, but this is a city that grabs hold of you and makes it hard to leave. My husband, Ben, and I are so grateful to be raising our girls here. We value the diversity of Lincoln. We love the libraries and farmers’ markets. We love knowing our neighbors, exploring on the bike paths, and connecting with friends at community events. Lincoln is a special place.

What is your favorite childhood book or a book that has influenced your life positively?
I love many of Kate DiCamillo’s books, but my favorite is “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane.” It’s such a beautiful story of resilience and connection.

Share a shout out to a former teacher who impacted your life.
Rhea Hochstein, thank you for being my teaching hero and mentor. Rhea’s balance of creative engagement, meaningful connections and high expectations became the model for the teacher I want to be.

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

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