Judy Wadhams has worked as a substitute teacher in Lincoln Public Schools (LPS) for more than twenty years. She often teaches in special education classrooms and takes both long-term and short-term assignments in several schools in Lincoln, Nebraska. Wadhams started her career after graduating from Wayne State College with a degree in earth science and biology. She first taught outside Lincoln, then paused her career to raise her children. In 2000, she began substitute teaching in LPS. By 2003, she earned a special education teaching degree. From 2003 to 2021, she worked full-time in special education. Her roles included a year in the life skills room at Northeast High School and work with the Independence Academy, which supports students aged 18-21 in developing communication, employment, and independent living skills.
Her experience has prepared her for various substitute roles. Wadhams often works in life skills classrooms and also helps students in math, social studies, and reading. She says that working in different schools and with different teachers helps her continue learning. LPS Special Education Coordinator Tara Troy said substitute teachers like Wadhams are important for maintaining academic standards and supporting student progress. Troy noted that many substitutes work across Lincoln each day and that their work is valued by the school community…