Brenna Hansen: The Geographic Educators of Nebraska Bertolas, Gildersleeve, Stoddard and Stone Award

Background

Lincoln High School social studies teacher Brenna Hansen was recently honored with the Bertolas, Gildersleeve, Stoddard and Stone Award by the Geographic Educators of Nebraska. The award was established to honor the founding members of GEON and recognizes those individuals that continue to advance the growth of geography in Nebraska through teaching, research, professional development and field inquiries.

Explanation

Lincoln High School social studies teacher Brenna Hansen began teaching at Schoo Middle School in 2020. In 2021, she joined the Lincoln High School social studies department.

Brenna was recently given the Bertolas, Gildersleeve, Stoddard and Stone Award by the Geographic Educators of Nebraska. The award established to honor the founding members of GEON recognizes those individuals that continue to advance the growth of geography in the state.

LPS K-12 Social Studies Curriculum Specialist Jaci Kellison states:

“Brenna is part of a graduate program at Wesleyan that focuses on increasing rigor and opportunities for students in all social studies courses. In addition, she is a leader in writing Geography inquiry lessons and district common assessments. Brenna mentors new teachers, leads professional learning, and creates highly sought after Geography materials.”

Proposal

That the Lincoln Board of Education adopt the following resolution:

WHEREAS, Brenna Hansen, social studies teacher at Lincoln High School has been selected by the Geographic Educators of Nebraska to receive the Bertolas, Gildersleeve, Stoddard and Stone Award; and

WHEREAS, Brenna Hansen works to inspire a love of geography among students by finding innovative ways of teaching the curriculum; and

WHEREAS, Brenna Hansen continuously demonstrates her leadership by writing Geography inquiry lessons and district common assessments, mentors new teachers, leads professional learning, and creates highly sought after Geography materials; and

WHEREAS, Brenna Hansen is widely admired and respected among her peers both within Lincoln Public Schools and the State of Nebraska;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Lincoln Board of Education
does hereby congratulate Brenna Hansen for being selected by the Geographic Educators of Nebraska to receive the Bertolas, Gildersleeve, Stoddard and Stone Award.

Updated January 27, 2026