Lansing USD469 Employee Spotlight: Jenny Nickelson, Instructional Coach
Our "Employee Spotlight" series aims to showcase the unique personalities, talents, and stories that contribute to the success of our district. This section celebrates the incredible individuals who make our Lansing USD469 community thrive.
Jenny Nickelson, Instructional Coach
Question: How long have you worked for Lansing USD469?
Answer: This is my 4th year in Lansing.
Question: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and the role you have within the school district?
Answer: I taught for a LONG time in the KCK school district, and was a Coach there as well. My job covers a variety of facets, but essentially I provide support to teachers, staff, and students. I help plan, organize, and implement instructional practices, work with teachers in coaching cycles (modeling, co-teaching, planning, problem-solving), and manage the instructional needs of our building.
Question: What do you enjoy most about your role and the work you do in the school district?
Answer: I was so excited when Lansing started the IC positions, because this is where our family is, and I really wanted to be closer to home. I loved being a teacher, and I absolutely love helping teachers now! Just like teaching students, it is so rewarding when I have the privilege of supporting teachers in their instructional roles. There are a lot of things to manage, but I enjoy everyone I work with so much. We truly have incredible teachers and staff in our buildings who are dedicated to the work, and I'm proud to be a part of that work.
Question: When you're not working, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy?
Answer: We have a pretty big vegetable garden, so I do a lot of processing and canning each year. I love being in the kitchen too. I'm also my kids' taxi driver for all their activities. :)
Question: What is something unusual about you that most people don't know?
Answer: There is a 14 year age gap between our first and second child. Our oldest is now married and in the National Guard, and we have a freshman and a 6th grader.
Question: Could you share a particularly heartwarming or memorable experience you've had while working with students or colleagues?
Answer: Like other long-time teachers, you keep in touch students as they grow up. A former student of mine reached out to me on social media a couple months ago, and I hadn't talked to her in years. It is so rewarding when you experience full-circle things like that in the teaching profession.
Question: What piece of advice would you like to offer to students to help them succeed and make the most of their educational journey?
Answer: Relax, take a deep breath, and you'll do great. Find what brings you joy!
STRATEGIC PLAN: Positive Culture - Develop incentives to assist in recruitment/retention of all staff.