Staff Spotlight: Kathy Simpson - kindergarten teacher at Belmont Elementary School

May 30, 2025

Every week, we shine a spotlight on one Lincoln Public Schools staff member! This week, meet Kathy Simpson, kindergarten teacher at Belmont Elementary School, who just wrapped up her final year of teaching after 23 incredible years with LPS.

“Kathy has been teaching kindergarten at Belmont for over 20 years and has loved every minute of it! She has taken in and mentored countless student teachers and inspired them greatly. This was her final year teaching before retiring and will be missed so much!” - Paige Hobson, Belmont Elementary School kindergarten teacher. 

How long have you worked for LPS?
Twenty-three years.

What inspired you to become part of the education field at LPS?
I began my career teaching preschool in my own home daycare. I taught my own three children, along with several other amazing children, for 17 years. Once my youngest went to school, I knew it was time to start interviewing for teaching positions.

My two oldest had been attending Beattie Elementary. We were always happy with the education our children were getting within LPS. I wanted to be a part of helping other parents feel confident that their children were getting a great education as well.

My mom had been a school teacher when I was growing up, so it seemed to be part of the fabric of who we were. I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. I also knew I wanted to work in a Title I school.

In college, I dreamed of going on mission trips to other countries and seeing the world. I was never able to fit that into my life. When I was hired at Belmont, I realized that the world came to me. I have absolutely loved getting to know so many families from all over the world, right here at Belmont. It has been my greatest joy to help students learn to read, write, calculate in math and articulate their thoughts and feelings.

What has been your favorite part of working here? What aspect of your job do you find most rewarding?
I am so grateful for the 23 years at this school. My kindergarten team, we affectionately refer to as Team Fabulous, are like sisters to me. So many administrators have fostered such kindness to me through various stages of my life. I have also loved being a cooperating teacher to countless student teachers and practicum students. Those relationships meant so much to me. I loved passing the baton on to the future! Belmont Elementary is a hardworking, dedicated group of educators that I am so proud to have been a part of for my entire career at LPS. Every kindergarten student I taught added something beautiful to the pages of my life.

Did you attend LPS as a student? If so, which school(s)? If not, where are you from?
No. I grew up in Cozad, Neb. I attended District 29, a country school for elementary, Cozad Junior High School and Cozad High School.

What path did you take after completing your formal education?
I attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Teachers College. I later attended the first cohort for primarily math offered at UNL.

What do you enjoy most about the Lincoln community?
The diverse culture.

What is your favorite childhood book or a book that has influenced your life positively?
“The Little Match Girl.” It is not a positive book, but I felt such empathy for the character. I wanted to grow up to help people so no one suffered like her. As an adult, I love to read so it is hard to pick just one, but when the question says it influenced my life positively, I have to say that book is the Bible.

Share a shout out to a former teacher who impacted your life.
Lillian Morris was my country school teacher. She encouraged the artistic side of me and introduced a love for reading.

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

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