Vercellino guides Robinson students on pathways to success

October 21, 2024

Jeff Vercellino wants every Robinson Elementary School student to feel special, safe and successful every moment they are in the building.
 
Vercellino is reaching that goal as principal of the newest Lincoln Public Schools elementary site. He has worked at LPS for nearly three decades and has made positive impacts on thousands of students during that time. He is being recognized during National Principals Month, which takes place across the United States each October.
 
Vercellino said it has been a privilege to work with students across the city. He has served in multiple roles during his career and has been a principal for nearly two decades.

 
“I’m someone who is relationship-driven, and I want to be intentional about interacting with students and staff on a daily basis,” Vercellino said. “I believe leading with that type of relational approach makes a huge difference, because you bring out the best in people when you make them feel valued and appreciated. That’s true for both students and staff. I want to be that encouraging voice to help them every day I’m here.”
 
LPS Director of Elementary Education Gena Licata said Vercellino has developed a sterling reputation for integrity and hard work. He makes the rounds at Robinson each morning to visit people in the building and see how they are doing. Those actions have created strong communication networks to and from classrooms.
 
“He’s been a principal in our district for a long time in several different schools,” Licata said. “He’s a great leader who works hard to ensure teachers feel supported and have a sense of belonging in the schools where they serve.”

 
Sharon Eickhoff has had a front-row seat to Vercellino’s leadership talents at both Robinson and Cavett Elementary School. She is currently assistant principal at Robinson and was assistant principal at Cavett when Vercellino worked there. She said his commitment to building strong relationships ensures that everyone at school feels respected and cared for.
 
“He’s always approachable and welcoming, making it easy for students, staff and families to reach out for support,” Eickhoff said. “Jeff brings creative ideas that uplift and inspire everyone, creating a space where everyone can step up as leaders. He encourages students to aim for excellence the Robinson Way, promoting pride in their achievements. Plus, his sense of humor adds a fun touch to our daily interactions, creating a positive atmosphere throughout the school.”
 
Vercellino grew up in Lincoln and graduated from East High School in 1991. He joined LPS after earning an elementary education degree from Nebraska Wesleyan University in 1995.

 
Vercellino was a classroom teacher at Lakeview Elementary School from 1995-2001 and was an instructional coordinator there for the next two years. He was assistant principal at Cavett from 2003-07 before becoming principal at Hartley Elementary School.
 
Vercellino returned to Cavett as principal in 2012 and led the Cardinals for the next 9.5 years. He began forming the Robinson team in January 2022. He said it was difficult leaving Cavett after so many years, but the chance to create an entirely new school community was too good to pass up.
 
One of Vercellino’s top priorities was meeting with school namesake Ada Robinson, who taught Clinton Elementary School students for 37 years. The “Rooted in Relationships” motto found in Robinson’s hallways is a direct reflection of her caring educational philosophy, which is something Vercellino said he has strived to establish.

 
“It’s been one of the most fulfilling things in my educational career,” Vercellino said. “Helping to start an elementary school from the ground up has been incredibly rewarding. To get to do this and share the vision that Mrs. Robinson had for helping students receive a quality education has been a true honor.”
 
Vercellino said he has been blessed to have had mentors who believed in his leadership potential. He was happy teaching at Lakeview and coaching baseball at Lincoln High when he started his LPS career. An encouraging word from someone he knew at school changed the direction of his life.
 
“I got one of those taps on the shoulder from someone at Lakeview who said I could be a leader,” Vercellino said. “She saw something in me that I hadn’t noticed in myself. That gentle nudge inspired me to get on that leadership path. It made all the difference in the world.”
 
Eickhoff said she has watched Vercellino provide similar encouraging nudges to others. He has praised staff for their efforts, given teachers the ability to give presentations at schoolwide meetings and worked to build confidence in everyone he meets.
 
“I’ve really enjoyed working with Jeff both at Cavett and at Robinson,” Eickhoff said. “He’s been an incredible role model, giving me plenty of opportunities to learn and grow. What I admire most about him is how he believes in people and pushes them to do their best. I’ve watched his leadership grow over the years, and I’m impressed by how eager he is to keep learning from others.”

 
Vercellino said his previous experience as a teacher, coordinator and assistant principal has helped him in his current role. He said treating everyone with respect and dignity is key to helping them feel special, safe and successful.
 
“Kids can tell if you truly care about them or if you’re just going through the motions,” Vercellino said. “It’s important to show them that you care about them when they’re at school.”
 
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