Jen Yoder—2020 Award for Teaching Excellence

Background

The Nebraska State Education Association has honored Jen Yoder, a special education teacher at Irving Middle School, with its 2020 Award for Teaching Excellence. Yoder has taught for Lincoln Public Schools for more than thirty years. The Nebraska State Education Association considers many factors when evaluating nominees for this award, including professional practice, advocacy for the association, community engagement, leadership in professional development and attention to diversity.

Explanation

The Nebraska State Education Association has named Irving Middle School special education teacher Jen Yoder the winner of its 2020 Award for Teaching Excellence. The award not only recognizes educators for their excellence in teaching, but also their community involvement, attention to diversity and advocacy for the association. Yoder has dedicated more than 30 years to Lincoln Public Schools and its children.

One of her longtime colleagues said this about Yoder when nominating her for the award:

“Jen is a professional and caring advocate for teachers, parents, students and staff. She is aware of the academic, social and emotional needs of students at all times and strives to keep students’ needs first and foremost, always making her interventions, recommendations and suggestions for planning and programming meet the needs of students so the most amazing learning can happen.”

A former student had this to say about Yoder:

“Looking back at all the years we have known each other, I see now that you were instrumental in shaping my life in more ways than just teaching me. Your unwavering diligence, kind-heartedness and determination is what has helped shape me into the man I am today.”

Proposal

That the Lincoln Board of Education adopt the following resolution:

WHEREAS, Jen Yoder has been honored with the 2020 Award for Teaching Excellence from the Nebraska State Education Association; and

WHEREAS, Jen Yoder has served in numerous leadership roles with both the Lincoln Education Association and the Nebraska State Education Association; and

WHEREAS, Jen Yoder has dedicated herself to numerous causes and community groups, a dedication that informs and complements her teaching; and

WHEREAS, Jen Yoder has shown a passion for teaching and making a positive impact on the lives of her students for more than 30 years;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Lincoln Board of Education
does hereby congratulate Jen Yoder for winning the 2020 Award for Teaching Excellence from the Nebraska State Education Association.

Updated November 9, 2020