Ashlyn Rapisarda ('23), an out-of-state student turned proud alumna of the elementary education program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s College of Education and Human Sciences, was convinced she would go to school in the southwest. Growing up in Wisconsin with most of her family in Arizona, Rapisarda toured 10 colleges in seven states, but it was a visit to the UNL campus with her mother, also a Nebraska alum, that helped her realize her choice for undergrad would be Nebraska.
“I knew coming to UNL would be a step in the right direction for not only my career, but for my personal growth and wellbeing," Rapisarda said. "It was a feeling of home away from home.”
Seven years after that visit, Rapisarda is wrapping up her second year of teaching second grade at Campbell Elementary in Lincoln Public Schools and now calls Nebraska home. The decision to remain in the state after graduation turned out to be one of the most rewarding choices of her life.
“I moved to Lincoln for college, and I wasn’t sure where I wanted to start my career,” she said.
After completing her student teaching placement at Campbell, Rapisarda knew she had found her teaching home.
“The second I walked through the doors, I had a feeling of belonging.”
Her connection to the school and the support she received from staff made the transition from student teacher to full-time teacher seamless. Rapisarda credits her time at CEHS with providing valuable classroom experiences and equipping her with the knowledge she uses daily with her students. She emphasizes how crucial it is to understand each child’s individual needs, something she learned through courses focused on child development at CEHS.
“CEHS provided me with many courses that taught a variety of skills I use today,” Rapisarda said. “The most valuable lesson I learned was the importance of building strong, supportive relationships with my students.”
Reflecting on her teaching career so far, she has seen it evolve in the last two years. The first year her focus was on establishing routines and surviving the whirlwind of teaching. Now comfortable with the day-to-day of teaching, she focuses more on providing a classroom culture that understands the needs of each individual student.
“CEHS gave me the tools and knowledge I needed to get started, but my second year has been about taking those tools and adapting them to fit the unique dynamics of my classroom," Rapisarda said. "I’m more confident in my teaching, and I’m excited to continue growing."
Rapisarda offers some advice for other out-of-state education students considering staying in the area after graduation.
“Take advantage of the professional opportunities," she said. "Nebraska has a lot to offer educators.”
She also encourages students to view Lincoln beyond its college town reputation and instead as a place where you can put down roots and thrive professionally and personally.
Stories like Rapisarda’s serve as a powerful reminder that retaining passionate educators is essential for strong schools in Nebraska. Her decision to remain in Nebraska is rooted in her academic experiences while at CEHS, the support she feels from her team and administration at Campbell Elementary, and the deep connections she’s formed with her students.
“I wanted to stay at Campbell because of the students. It's the little moments of connection and understanding that happen every day—their heartfelt thank yous and the hugs they give—they are why teachers teach.”
College of Education and Human Sciences
Teaching, Learning & Teacher Education
AlumniNews
