Six educators join Summerland Schools staff

When the school bell rang for the first time last week, six new educators experienced their first day of class at Summerland Public Schools.

Kara Ahlers will teach fifth grade. She graduated college in December 2018, with a bachelor's degree in elementary education. She has an endorsement in reading and writing.

"When I worked as a para years ago, the teachers who I worked with were amazing at encouraging and reassuring me I could be someone who could make a difference in the lives of our students. I have loved seeing how much I can help students grow and learn," she said.

Ahlers looks forward to getting to know students and watching them grow and working with new co-workers, in addition to teaching in the district she lives in.

Ahlers previously spent four years teaching third and fourth grades at Neligh-Oakdale Public Schools.

Ahlers and her husband, Shane, have been married for 18 years. They have two children, Nickolas, age 3, and Zoe, 2.

In her spare time, Ahlers likes to camp, garden and spend time with friends and family.

The idea of helping students reach their full potential and building relationships with kids is what initially drew Danielle Birch to education.

She will teach upper-level math classes, in addition to serving as the head volleyball coach and junior high track coach.

Birch graduated from college in 2016, with a degree in secondary math education. In 2022, she earned a master's degree in mathematics.

"I previously taught at Creighton, Lincoln Northeast and O'Neill," she said.What aspect of school is Birch looking forward to most this year?

"New students and teaching dual-credit math," she said.

Birch's husband, Jacob, also teaches math at SPS. They have two daughters, Brooklyn and Nora.

Ashley Harrison will be a new face in the family consumer science classroom.

She earned a bachelor's and master's degree in FCS education.

"I have been in education for eight years, with my most recent at Chambers for six years," Harrison said.

She looks forward to "being part of a very positive school community."

Harrison said the opportunity to "being that positive and safe role model for students, especially students who are missing that at home," drew her to education.

In addition to classroom responsibilities, Harrison will be starting a FCCLA chapter and work with student council.

She and her boyfriend have four dogs and a 16-month-old son, Brooks.

When she's not teaching, Harrison likes camping, fishing, running and spending time with family.

Jordyn Kuhl is a 2023 college graduate, with a degree in K-6 Special Education, Early Childhood Inclusive. She will serve as an elementary special education instructor this year.

She joins the SPS staff after serving as an elementary special education teacher at Walthill Public School for a half year.

"I really emjoy making a difference in student's lives," she said.

She looks forward to building relationships with students and getting to know all the staff members.

Her hobbies including running and reading.

She is also in the midst of wedding planning.

"I am getting married April 13," she said.

Ashley Larby knows her way around the SPS elementary hallways. She completed her student teaching stint here before graduating in May with a Bachelor of Science Degree in elementary education, with an endorsement in early childhood education.

She will teach sixth grade this school year.

Having an opportunity to make a difference in someone's life, even a small difference, drew Larby to education.

"I am excited to get to know everyone in the community and to build relationships with my students," she said. "I hope everyone has a tremendous year."

Her brothers, sisters and parents reside in Atkinson.

"I am excited to be able to live near my nieces and nephews," Larby said.

Her hobbies include reading, walking, being outdoors and hanging out with friends and family.

In addition to serving as the Bobcat football team's head coach, Tom Thramer will be the full-time substitute.

He credits his high school physical education teacher, Brock Eichelberger, and other educators he had at Ewing Public Schools for sparking his interest in education.

A 2009 Wayne State College graduate, Thramer has a degree in K-12 physical education and health. He taught two years at Newman Grove Schools and spent 10 years at Chambers Public Schools.

Thramer also coaches junior high football and track and field.

"I am looking forward to getting to know everyone better and working in a welcoming environment," Thramer said. "So far, the students and staff have been great, which makes my job much easier and fun."

Thramer said he enjoys golfing and hunting, as well as Husker football.