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LPS highlights "grow your own" apprenticeship, reports 363 new hires and 110 substitute teachers
Summary
District presenters described an apprenticeship that helps paraprofessionals become teachers, highlighted partnerships with UNL, and reported 363 new hires (8.8% candidates of diversity) plus 110 new substitute teachers since July 1.
Lincoln Public Schools on Oct. 14 emphasized efforts to address teacher shortages through a district "grow your own" apprenticeship program and presented recent hiring statistics to the board.
Staff and program participants described the apprenticeship as on‑the‑job training that enables paraprofessionals and other district employees to take classes while working, with the district paying for schooling and providing both in‑class and out‑of‑class resources. Program participants said the arrangement removed the financial barrier of college tuition and allowed them to focus on becoming classroom teachers. Presenters noted the program has placed particular emphasis on filling special education positions.
The board's personnel and recruiting report provided concrete hiring numbers: staff reported 363 new hires to LPS and said that 8.8% of those new hires were candidates of diversity. Separately, staff reported that 110 new substitute teachers have been hired since July 1, and that substitute incentives continue to help fill historically difficult openings.
The personnel report said the district continues to prioritize recruiting from Nebraska schools to leverage local connections and plans several out‑of‑state recruitment trips. The district is also launching a talent ambassadors program that will have LPS administrators assist with recruiting efforts.
Public comment at the meeting included a statement from childcare provider Liz Arnold, who urged the board to be aware of federal funding changes affecting early childhood supports and suggested the district consider elevating concerns to state leaders; Arnold said her "understanding from the limited research I can do is that funding's only protected right now through 2026." The board's governmental relations committee said it tracks state and federal legislative matters and monitors the School Finance Review Commission schedule.
Why it matters: The apprenticeship and recruiting efforts are intended to increase the pool of local teacher candidates and reduce hard‑to‑fill vacancies, while substitute‑hiring gains and incentive programs aim to reduce staffing disruptions during the school year.
