Lynn Jeka - Nevada Teacher of the Year Finalist
In September, 2020, Lyon County School District was proud to see one of its own as a 2021 Finalist for the Nevada State Teacher of the Year award – Mrs. Lynn Jeka from Yerington Elementary School (YES). The recognition comes months after she was nominated to apply for the Teacher of the Year award. Jeka’s incredible abilities as an educator are rooted in her educational philosophy. She believes that “education should be equitable for all students, regardless of race, gender, language, abilities, previous experiences or geographic location,” that “education should serve a purpose in developing college or career ready, informed citizens and address every student’s needs and interests” and that “schools should be working towards development of the whole child, not just instilling academic content knowledge.”
Jeka came to Lyon County School District (LCSD) in 2004 after completing her second Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, the first being a degree in Music History and Literature. She began her teaching career in third grade until 2013 when she became a Science Specialist for prekindergarten through 4th grade. Then in 2019 she transitioned to her current role as the STEM Instructional Coach and MakerSpace/STEM Lab Supervisor. The move to her current role came after she was awarded the Lemelson Scholarship to pursue a Master’s degree in STEM Education, which she began in 2018 at the University of Nevada, Reno. In addition, during her time at YES, she has been a part of an “Outreach for Rural Science Education” subcommittee, a researcher for “Making Science Multilingual” and the implementation of this at YES, a member of Northern Nevada STEM Leader’s Academy, a state finalist from the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching (PAEMST) and the site coordinator for Positive Behavior Intervention System (PBIS), among many other leadership roles she has taken on over the years.
Jeka says the following of living and teaching in rural Yerington, NV, “In recognizing that our rural locale was limiting the educational experiences for our students, particularly in the areas of science and engineering, I sought out and was awarded two separate program grants from the Nevada Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation and Technology (OSIT).” The first grant was used to purchase a comprehensive engineering curriculum that enhanced the science curriculum and aligns with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The curriculum offers problem-based learning experiences that engage students in hands-on learning using the engineering design process while also allowing them to apply multiple skills across curricular areas. The second grant she received for YES allowed her team to design and create the MakerSpace STEM Lab with state-of-the-art equipment such as a 3D printer and robotics. She says the lab “is a space within the school where students can delve into their personal interests and pursue additional learning opportunities in the STEM fields.” The lab is open before school and during recesses as an alternative for students who wish to spend more time in an academic setting rather than going to the playground. In the future, she hopes to invite members of the community who work in specialized STEM careers to come and spend time with students interested in their specific careers.
Below is Jeka’s Vision and Impact Statement in her own words:
My vision for the future of Nevada’s public schools is one of hope, opportunity, and equity for all students. I would like to lead by example in working to find the best practices to meet the needs of Nevada’s diverse student populations. We should be creating students who are prepared to meet the challenges of a quickly evolving society, well-versed in the STEM disciplines and the “Four Cs”: communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity. We need to assist students in developing the skills and knowledge necessary to lead the way in developing new technologies and solving the problems society faces today – global economics and industry, environmental changes, space exploration, cures for modern diseases and illnesses… the list goes on. I also believe that every educator needs to see the potential in every student, regardless of gender or orientation, race, ethnic origins, socioeconomic status, abilities, or language barriers. These minoritized groups are growing and need to be considered as part of our solutions, not part of the problem. These students are the future of America and deserve to be valued as such. Furthermore, this needs to happen in every district in Nevada – the large, urban centers of Washoe and Clark, as well as the many small, rural districts throughout the state.
Every student deserves a quality education. Every child must be able to see him- or herself as a successful contributor to and member of society, each with gifts, talents, and knowledge to share. Every teacher must know and understand this as well, and encourage every child to follow his or her dreams, supporting them however necessary. Take a moment to ponder these words:
“Innovation can be encouraged when parents and educators understand that innovators often do not ‘fit the norm’…they are dreamers… But innovators are rarely content merely to dream. They won’t stop there – especially if they receive some encouragement. They will become the doers; they will make things happen. They are inner directed and willing to march to the beat of their own drums. But, it sure helps having someone lay a hand on a shoulder or looking the innovator in the eye and saying, ‘I believe in you; you can do it.’”
Buzz Aldrin,
No Dream Is Too High: Life Lessons From a Man Who Walked on the Moon
To every student I say, I believe in you - I believe in your potential, your dreams, and your future. To every teacher I say, I believe in you - I believe in your talents, your passions, and your love for your students. Working together, I believe we can overcome any obstacles that stand in our way and create a future full of optimism and equity for all American people.
Our vision… Graduate all students to be successful in college and career.
Our Mission… Provide relevant learning opportunities that develop adaptable, persistent and self-directed learners capable of creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking necessary to overcome complex challenges.
Every Student… Every Classroom… Every Day…
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Erika Cowger at ecowger@lyoncsd.org.
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