Staff Spotlight: Calvin Haywood - campus supervisor at Lincoln High School

April 25, 2025

Every week, we’ll shine a spotlight on one Lincoln Public Schools staff member! Get to know the wonderful people making a positive impact across various areas within LPS. This week, meet Calvin Haywood, campus supervisor at Lincoln High School.

“Calvin is the best. He does all the things that make someone good at the job, like caring about people, being responsive, and staying calm even when there is chaos, but the things that stand out the most to me are about his personality. He is somehow both a man of few words and someone who makes everyone around him feel seen and noticed all at once. He demonstrates genuine care for others in the way he interacts with students and staff, and the only time anyone could possibly hear him complain is after a particularly bad game for his favorite sports teams. He has a quiet, but excellent sense of humor that brings a smile to everyone's faces. He leads with integrity and treats others how he would like to be treated in all circumstances. Our school is warmer and safer thanks to the work of Mr. Calvin Haywood.” - Sydney Jensen, Lincoln High School teacher, on behalf of everyone at LHS

In a few sentences, briefly describe your role at LPS.
As a campus supervisor, I am responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment for students, staff and the community. Working with students at Lincoln High is awesome when you understand that everyone is different, and it is important to meet people where they are. Understanding that is something I use when working with students and staff as I navigate the halls at the high.

How long have you worked for LPS?
I started working at Lincoln High School in 2019. My oldest daughter had just transferred to Lincoln High from East High. It was in the middle of her junior year. I have three daughters. Two graduated from Lincoln High School. My youngest daughter is a senior at East High, and I have to admit that despite several failed attempts I could not convince her to join me at Lincoln High.

What inspired you to become part of the education field at LPS?
I had worked in corrections for over 31 years and was not excited about the path that corrections was going. I was looking for a change when a couple friends, Martha Florence and Eric Buchanan, thought that I might be able to use some of my experience working in the high school environment.

What has been your favorite part of working here? What aspect of your job do you find most rewarding?
I think my favorite part is seeing freshmen come in with their little friend groups, watching their personalities grow and develop during their four years, and then seeing them graduate—watching them grow into young men and women. I find it very rewarding to help students in whatever ways I can—something as simple as helping them find their classroom or escorting them to class when they’re late, just helping any way I can.

Did you attend LPS as a student? If so, which school(s)? If not, where are you from?
I am from Mississippi. I attended John F. Kennedy High School in Mound Bayou, Mississippi. I joined the military out of high school. Would you believe I used to jump out of airplanes? I was in the Army’s 82nd Airborne.

What path did you take after completing your formal education?
I attended and played football at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in the early ’80s. Then, I worked as a case manager at the Nebraska State Penitentiary.

What do you enjoy most about the Lincoln community?
Lincoln offers several opportunities, one of which was an opportunity for me to explore acting. Several years ago I wanted to be an actor. I’ve worked at the Lincoln Community Playhouse, UNL Howell Theater, Union College Theater and The Downtown Dinner Theater. I also lived in New York for a couple of years where I did some off-Broadway work and had parts in several movies.

What is your favorite childhood book or a book that has influenced your life positively?
“Catcher in the Rye" was a book that had a big impact on me. It deals with the pain of loss, the struggle with identity and the importance of authentic connection.

Share a shout out to a former teacher who impacted your life.
My high school football coach, Coach James, was not only my coach but also a mentor. He saw more in me than I could see in myself. He always pushed me to be more involved, to put the work in. I gave him one of my Orange Bowl rings. He was so proud of that ring. His son told me he wore it every day until he passed away.

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

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