LNW’s Lindsay Pierce recognized with statewide social studies teaching award

May 11, 2026

Lindsay Pierce, Social Studies Department Chair at Lincoln Northwest High School, was named the received the Nebraska State Council for the Social Studies First Congressional District Outstanding Social Studies Teacher of the Year Award for building a classroom and department culture centered on high expectations, collaboration and student growth.

LPS Social Studies Curriculum Specialist Jaci Grimes nominated Pierce. Grimes has seen firsthand the consistency, care and intentionality Pierce brings to her teaching and leadership at Northwest.

“Lindsay is an innovative teacher who is always reflecting on her practice and thinking about how she can improve teaching and learning,” Grimes said. “It is a pleasure to be in her classroom where a culture of trust and community leads to deep engagement with a wide variety of social studies disciplines.”

With 11 years at LPS, Pierce began her career at Mickle Middle School before moving to Lincoln Northwest, where she helped open the school and build its social studies program from the ground up. Over the years, she has taught U.S. history, psychology, Advanced Placement (AP) psychology, and criminal justice courses, along with previous experience teaching civics, geography and world history.

But for Pierce, the impact of her classroom is best reflected through her students.

Junior Jayden, who is currently in AP Psychology, said the environment Pierce creates makes learning feel approachable and personal. “She makes it easy to be yourself and ask questions about topics,” she said.

Senior Jacob echoed that sentiment, pointing to the openness of discussion in her classroom.

“I always knew that I wanted to be a person who could provide guidance and support to children to help them be successful,” Pierce said. “My motivation comes from my students. I genuinely love what I do and I couldn’t imagine having any other career.”

Pierce’s success in the classroom, she said, comes from reflection, collaboration with colleagues, and a willingness to adjust her approach when needed to better support students.

“I have really reflected on my teaching practices and how it affects students,” Pierce said. “I have spent a lot of time revising my teaching strategies so that it is more inclusive in nature, and it has been so much fun to continue to learn how to effectively teach.” 

She also points to the strong professional community within LPS and Lincoln Northwest as an important part of her growth as an educator.

“I have some really great people that I can collaborate with in the district and in my building and there are some really exciting things happening that I have the privilege of being a part of,” Pierce said.

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