Staff Spotlight: Katie Brunke - kindergarten teacher at Beattie Elementary School

September 19, 2025

Every week, we shine a spotlight on one Lincoln Public Schools staff member! This week, meet Katie Brunke, kindergarten teacher at Beattie Elementary School.

“Katie is beginning her third year as a kindergarten teacher at Beattie. Katie is truly called to teach. She started her education journey serving as a para at Saratoga in early childhood. Katie has embraced this journey of learning, being a college student as she drove into her teaching career. As her principal, I have thoroughly enjoyed watching Katie grow as an educator. It has been so inspiring to work alongside Katie as she lives her ‘why’ each day at Beattie. Katie's enthusiasm for professional growth has been infectious. She brings dedication, drive, reflective thinking and a growth mindset each day. Another unique fact about Katie is that she attended Beattie as a child! Long ago in her first career, she and her husband bought a house in the Beattie neighborhood, so their children could attend Beattie. She truly can say, ‘Once a Bobcat, Always a Bobcat!’” - Julie Lee, Beattie Elementary School principal

How long have you worked for LPS?
This is my ninth year of working for Lincoln Public Schools.

What inspired you to become part of the education field at LPS?
I served many roles within LPS before becoming a kindergarten teacher. Initially, I started working as a part-time preschool paraeducator at Saratoga Elementary School, so that I could work while my own children were in school. I worked alongside the most amazing teachers and administrators who started to encourage me to become a teacher. Soon, I was working full days with preschool and kindergarten through fifth grade special education students. I then received the most incredible opportunity to work as the facilitator and teacher at the Cunningham Schoolhouse at Pioneers Park. I got to lead all fourth grade students through the essential historical and immersive field trip tradition of the 1892 Nebraska one-room schoolhouse experience. One day, former director of education, Cindy Schwaniger, came to observe the schoolhouse and heavily encouraged me to get into the classroom. Hearing this from someone that I deeply respected and held in such high esteem really was the kick that I needed to go for it and become a teacher. I enrolled in the Doane University fast track teacher program. Now, I am back at the elementary school that I myself once attended and everything really does feel meant to be.

What has been your favorite part of working here? What aspect of your job do you find most rewarding?
My favorite part of working at Lincoln Public Schools is my involvement with the community. There are so many rewarding aspects to my job! I have the wonderful privilege of getting to watch students grow into confident and well-rounded members of society.

Did you attend LPS as a student? If so, which school(s)? If not, where are you from?
I actually attended Beattie Elementary School (full circle experience to be back as a teacher at Beattie), Irving Middle School, Lincoln High School and the Arts and Humanities Focus Program.

What path did you take after completing your formal education?
I received my bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. I am currently pursuing my Master of Education in curriculum and instruction from Doane University. I am on track to graduate this December!

What do you enjoy most about the Lincoln community?
I absolutely love the genuine charm and sense of togetherness within the Lincoln community. This is a wonderful place to grow up and raise a family.

What is your favorite childhood book or a book that has influenced your life positively?
As a child, I was an enormous fan of the American Girl Doll book series and the Dear America books. I still love to read and my favorite genre is still historical fiction.

Share a shout out to a former teacher who impacted your life.
As I look back, I still have so many warm and sentimental memories of my Beattie kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Zink. Mrs. Zink created such a welcoming and caring environment and this helped to build my foundation for a lifetime love of learning and a thirst for discovery.

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

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