Concordia University, Nebraska alumna Lindsey Wilson GR ’15 recognized as 2025 Nebraska Teacher of the Year

The Nebraska Department of Education recently recognized Concordia University, Nebraska alumna Lindsey Wilson GR ’15 as the 2025 Nebraska Teacher of the Year . Wilson currently teaches science and social studies at Bennington Middle School in Bennington, Nebraska. Wilson has been a teacher since 2009.  

 Wilson has a master’s degree in elementary and secondary administration from Concordia Nebraska. This spring, she visited the Concordia Nebraska campus to present to several education classes about best practices for first year teachers.  

“As I reflect on my journey as an educator, I recognize the significant role Concordia played in shaping my passion for teaching and leadership,” she said. “It is a privilege to give back to the institution that has been so influential in my career. To those preparing to serve in the classroom: be authentically you. Your students don’t need perfection, they need someone who shows up, who cares and who is real. Bring your passions, your quirks, your energy because students especially will feed off that authenticity. Remember, teaching is about relationships first. Content matters, but connection is what unlocks learning. You won’t always have all the answers and that’s okay. Be willing to learn alongside your students, to laugh, to fail and to grow. This work is challenging, yes, but it’s also joyful, meaningful and full of moments that will remind you why you chose this path in the first place.”  

 Wilson said she chose Concordia Nebraska because she was looking to pursue a degree, and Concordia offered a completely online program that provided the flexibility she needed.  

 “My favorite thing about Concordia was how they prioritized field experience. At first it seemed overwhelming to obtain so many hours, but I feel that it prepared me,” she explained. “Additionally, the professors and staff were so great at communicating and providing feedback on each and every assignment to further growth and understanding. The professors that I had during my graduate program were always willing to engage in conversations about the learning and experiences we were having. They provided me with feedback and questions for reflection.”  

 While earning her master’s degree, Wilson taught math to students in grades five through eight. She later transitioned into an instructional facilitator role, where she helped develop and launch the state’s first middle-level zoo academy.  

“As I reflect on my journey as an educator, I recognize the significant role Concordia played in shaping my passion for teaching and leadership.” 

 “Eventually, I returned to the classroom where I feel most at home and have continued teaching science, math and social studies to sixth through eighth graders, depending on the year,” she said. “I also established my district’s first science research team, which has earned multiple awards and continues to grow.” 

“What I find most fulfilling is helping students discover the joy in learning and begin to see their own purpose within it. There’s something incredibly powerful about watching a student light up when they make a connection, ask a great question, or realize they’re capable of more than they thought,” she said. “I strive to create a classroom environment where every student feels valued, seen and heard, where they understand that their voice matters and that we're all part of a collaborative learning community. It’s not just about the content, it’s about building confidence, curiosity and community. Seeing students grow into learners who are excited to engage, who support each other, and who understand their role in the bigger picture, that’s what makes this work deeply meaningful to me.”  

 Wilson said being named the 2025 Nebraska Teacher of the Year has been one of the most humbling and inspiring experiences of her career.  

 “The nomination itself was an incredible honor. But the award isn’t just a recognition of my work; it’s a celebration of the students, fellow educators and school communities who have shaped me along the way. What I love most about this opportunity is that it gives me a platform to amplify the voices of middle-level learners and teachers,” she said. “I’m passionate about creating classrooms where curiosity, collaboration and creativity thrive and now I get to share those ideas on a broader scale. It’s also been a powerful reminder that the work we do every day in the classroom truly matters and can ripple far beyond our walls.”  

 Wilson has been married to her husband for 17 years, and they have two children: a daughter who is a freshman in high school and a son who is in fifth grade. When she’s not serving in the classroom, Wilson loves to travel and try new foods.  

 “I love to travel and seek out new experiences whether it’s exploring a different culture, trying new foods or just finding a hidden gem close to home. Travel helps me stay curious and open-minded, which I think makes me a better educator. It also gives me fresh perspectives and stories I can bring back to the classroom to help students connect learning to the world around them.  

 Concordia Nebraska offers a variety of master of education degrees with emphasis including curriculum and instruction, early childhood education, early childhood education inclusive, early childhood special education, educational administration with principal endorsement, educational administration for Christian schools, literacy/reading/ESL, special education and TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages).