Commissioner’s Talent Pool

To:                Principal, Superintendent, Assistant Principal, and Assistant Superintendent

From:          Matthew L. Blomstedt, Ph.D., Commissioner of Education

Re:               Talent Pool Recommendations – Elementary (K-5)

Deadline:  June 13, 2018

The Nebraska Department of Education is searching for emerging and established distinguished instructional leaders among the cadre of teachers and principals.  These educators may be considered as candidates for special recognition programs, as well as considered for membership on advisory boards and task forces.  Your recommendations will identify Nebraska educators who are of great value to your community and state, and who may also ultimately receive prestigious recognition.

The veteran educators represented in our talent pool have been and continue to be a valuable resource in our state efforts.  At this time, we are looking for representation from elementary (K-5) educators relatively new to the profession who demonstrate outstanding instructional and leadership ability.  We are looking for educators with at least five years of experience, especially.  This would include educators receiving Bachelor’s degrees after the year 2000.  These individuals should exhibit strong potential for professional leadership and inspiring presence that impacts students, colleagues, and community.

Do you know an educator who is illustrative of the best, not only in Nebraska, but also in the nation?  Whose lessons provide models for others?  Who has distinguished himself/herself above and beyond established top-quality professionals in many of our schools?  Candidates are building level personnel.  They are typically classroom teachers as opposed to specialists and are recognized by peers and supervisors as unique in their growth.  Previous recognition is not required.  In fact, of special interest are educators who are outstanding, but have not received other recognition.

Please provide confidential, succinct, and specific information regarding a candidate on the form linked below.  All questions must be answered, preferably typewritten.  Please include a one-page narrative with this form that addresses how the candidate meets the criteria mentioned in this letter, and also a resume from his or her personnel file.  We ask that you keep this recommendation confidential and do not share it with the individual.  I urge you to take the time to recommend a candidate.  If necessary, please assign the request to an associate.  Complete information must be sent by June 13, 2018 to:

Lora Sypal, Executive Office Associate
Office of the Commissioner
Nebraska Department of Education
P.O. Box 94987
Lincoln, NE  68509-4987

Talent Pool Recommendation Form (PDF):  Talent Pool Recommendation Form

Instructions for Saving and Completing the PDF Form:

  • Right click on the Talent Pool Recommendation Form link above.
  • Select “Save link as” or “Save file as”.
  • Save the link or file to your computer.
  • Navigate on your computer to where the file was saved.
  • Open and complete the form in Adobe Reader.
  • Save what you have completed.
  • At the bottom of the form, “Submit by Email” the completed form.
  • Also in the Email, attach the one page narrative, as to how the candidate meets the criteria, and the candidate’s resume.

If you have technical issues with the PDF form:  https://www.education.ne.gov/pdfhelp/

For questions or to receive a Word version of the Form, contact Lora Sypal, lora.sypal@nebraska.gov or (402) 471-5059.