Jolie Peal

1 month ago | nebraskapublicmedia.org | Jolie Peal |Kassidy Arena

He’s talking about the continuing teacher shortage in Nebraska. As of publication, Farup said Wakefield has two open teaching positions with no applicants, and he’s expecting future retirements and resignations. He recently filled another open position with someone who came out of retirement to help out. Across Nebraska, schools reported almost 670 unfilled positions at the start of this school year. More than a quarter of those were in districts with less than 1,000 students.

Jan 17, 2025 | holanebraska.ghost.io | Lee Feinswog |Jolie Peal |Leo Biga |Kassidy Arena

¡Hola, Nebraska!Hola Nebraska! Your source for stories that inform, inspire, and connect our Latino communities of Nebraska. In this edition, we bring you a thrilling recap of LOVB Omaha’s volleyball team making a powerful debut in Houston. A firsthand account of evacuating during the devastating Los Angeles fires, an exploration of Nebraska’s workers' concerns about tariffs and immigration policies, and inspiring stories of performers returning home to uplift the next generation of actors.

Jan 15, 2025 | thereader.com | Jolie Peal

Nancy and Paul Jelinek were staying at a family home in Altadena, California — which is about 30 minutes from Los Angeles — when tragedy struck. The couple had just returned from a vacation in Hawaii and were taking time to recuperate before returning to Omaha when they had to evacuate Tuesday night. “I heard sirens going down the street below us, Altadena Drive,” Paul said.

Jan 13, 2025 | nebraskapublicmedia.org | Jolie Peal

The Nebraska State Education Association, which is the teacher’s union, wants state lawmakers to make “major movements” this legislative session to tackle the teacher shortage, including creating paid family medical leave and a yearly retention grant for all teachers. A Nebraska Department of Education report last month showed that Nebraska schools reported nearly 670 unfilled teaching positions at the start of the 2024-25 school year.

Jan 10, 2025 | nebraskapublicmedia.org | Jolie Peal

Some teachers called on the State Board of Education to increase the requirements to become a theater teacher. Eleven educators spoke during the public comment portion of the board meeting Friday, and about 20 more sent written comments to board members. Those wanting to become theater teachers can currently only get a supplemental endorsement. That means they have to get a degree in a different subject and take additional theater education classes.