Every week, we shine a spotlight on one Lincoln Public Schools staff member! This week, meet Julie Finnegan, assistant principal at Huntington Elementary School.

“Julie has been a staff member at Huntington for approximately 25 years. She has a strong desire to serve our staff and students at Huntington. She is a learner and is deeply committed to our community.” - Kristi Schirmer, Huntington Elementary School principal

In a few sentences, briefly describe your role at LPS.
I am the assistant principal at Huntington Elementary or as the students call me, “Almost Principal.” I have the honor each day to support staff and students to be the best they can be.

How long have you worked for LPS?
I started my career with LPS in 2001 as a first grade teacher at Huntington—so this marks my 25th year for LPS and at Huntington!

What inspired you to become part of the education field at LPS?
Growing up in Omaha, I was raised by two public school educators. Watching the impact they had on their students, staff and community showed me early on the power of public education. I knew I wanted to follow in their footsteps and make an impact of my own. I was working in Omaha but living in Lincoln and knew eventually I'd want to continue my public education career with LPS.

What has been your favorite part of working here? What aspect of your job do you find most rewarding?
My favorite part of my career with LPS has been finding my home at Huntington Elementary. After moving around early on, I expected that pattern to continue—until I landed here. Over the past 25 years, the most rewarding part of my job has been growing alongside our incredible students, families and staff. I continue to learn from everyone around me every day, and recently, it’s been so special to see former students return to Huntington as parents!

In one word, what makes you proud to work for LPS?
ALL.

Did you attend LPS as a student? If so, which school(s)? If not, where are you from?
I grew up in Omaha. I went to Columbian Elementary (K-1, 3-6), Conestoga Elementary (2), Beveridge Jr. High (now called Middle School) and graduated from Burke High School. 

What path did you take after completing your formal education?
My first job out of college was teaching first grade at Skinner Elementary with Omaha Public Schools. Then, I transferred to Prairie Wind Elementary in Omaha soI could teach second grade alongside my cooperating teacher.

I began my administrative degree at UNL a few years into my teaching career. I have always enjoyed the big picture of organizations and was interested in learning more about serving schools as a whole instead of just from my classroom view.

I was living in Lincoln while commuting to Omaha, and after one particularly bad winter, I decided it was time to look for a job with LPS. That brought me to Huntington Elementary as a first grade teacher.

I eventually moved to second grade and was really enjoying teaching, so I wasn't even sure I’d actually seek an administrative role. But my principal at the time, Pam Sedlacek, had a different idea. The assistant principal was retiring and Sedlacek encouraged me to apply for the job. I took her advice, applied, and here I am two decades later, continuing the work I love as an assistant principal at Huntington.

What do you enjoy most about the Lincoln community?
We are so fortunate to be one city, one school district. The community continually shows up for our school district, and you don't get that everywhere. 

What is your favorite childhood book or a book that has influenced your life positively?
I've always loved to read and there are several books I could choose from. There are two books that stick out to me from my years in school. In sixth grade, my teacher read “Where the Red Fern Grows” to our class, leaving not a dry eye in the room and sparking my lifelong love for emotional, thought-provoking stories. Later in high school, “Brave New World” challenged me in a different way. Though I’m not typically a sci-fi fan, it pushed me to think critically and created great class discussions. Both taught me how powerful a good book can be.

Share a shout out to a former teacher who impacted your life.
Shout out to Ms. Harvey, my second grade teacher at Conestoga Elementary in Omaha. I remember I loved being in her class. She made learning fun and interesting and made each student feel important. She even okayed my parents to bring me to her house because I had forgotten to bring her Valentine's Day present—a Shel Silverstein book—to school that day and I really wanted her to have it on Valentine's Day. Funny enough, I spent most of the teaching part of my career in second grade—a place that always feels like home. 

Do you know a LPS staff member we should feature for Staff Spotlight? Fill out this form to nominate them!