LCC welcomes new teachers to the staff
LAUREL – Laurel-Concord-Coleridge students started the 2024-25 academic year Wednesday and greeted eight new teachers.
The new teachers are:
Vince Cabanez
LCC’s new agriculture teacher brings an international flair to the role.
Vince Cabanez hails from the Philippines, and previously taught at both a Catholic high school and college in Micronesia. He earned a bachelor’s degree in crop science in 2010 and a certificate in professional education in 2014 from Xavier University; and a master’s degree in educational management last year from Pangasinan State University. Both institutions are in the Philippines.
He moved to Laurel in June to accept the agricultural teaching post.
“I’m a wanderer who always seeks for greener pastures,” he said. “The job description is just a cherry on top.”
He’s most excited to build relationships, forge partnerships and make the most of the new school year teaching high school agriculture at LCC.
“I am looking forward to working collaboratively since we are better together,” he said.
Along with his teaching duties, he will be the sponsor for LCC’s FFA chapter.
*** Melissa Campbell
LCC’s new preschool teacher is looking forward to going to work at the same school her children attend.
Melissa Campbell, Belden, and her husband, Jody, have senior Jayden; freshman Madyson, and sixth-grader Camryn at LCC.
She brings a variety of experience to the position and has even worked with LCC’s preschool class previously as a paraprofessional.
Her other experience includes three years teaching at Hartington-Newcastle Public Schools - one year in fourth grade and two years in kindergarten. She also taught Head Start Preschool for four years and also was the director for Cardinal Kids Learning Center, Randolph, for three years.
A native of Ainsworth, Campbell earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 2003 and a master’s degree in early childhood in 2021, both from Wayne State College.
At LCC this year, Campbell will also be helping with special education. LCC preschoolers will be enjoying a trip to the pumpkin patch this year and an activity- filled Grandparent’s Day.
She owns Campbell’s Service with her husband, and also works as the Belden village clerk.
While she’s not working, Campbell likes to shop and scrapbook.
*** Nicole Cross
LCC’s fifth-grade students will have some unique learning opportunities this year with new teacher Nicole Cross hoping to put on a class play, as well as hatch chicks and ducklings from eggs.
The Concord woman is also looking forward to incorporating some STEAM activities into the classroom where students can create, design, build and engineer projects.
“Upper elementary grades are engaging to teach and the kids are at an amazing developmental stage which makes teaching fifth grade very rewarding,” she said. “This year I am looking forward to so many things but what really sticks out for me is that I get to share my love for reading, teaching engaging units in our new language arts curriculum, and planning fun hands-on science activities and experiments this year.”
A native of Ainsworth, Cross earned a degree in elementary education at Wayne State College and has spent several years as a substitute teacher prior to joining the staff at LCC.
She was interested in the position because of the dedication she’s witnessed firsthand from teachers and staff when her three children attended LCC. She is married to David.
*** Mandi Fernau
Mandi Fern has that new school year feeling, saying she’s looking forward to everything, as she teaches first graders at LCC.
From solar system to farms and the United States, first graders learn so much. Fernau is especially excited for the new English Language Arts curriculum and the hands-on learning opportunities.
“LCC gave me the opportunity to teach one of the grade levels I had wanted to teach. I was hoping to find a teaching position that was close to my home, and this is only 15 minutes away which is perfect,” she said as she lives in Carroll. “I feel that the LCC school district is supported by their community and also has amazing and supportive administration which makes me very excited for the school year.”
Fernau has been employed with Wayne Community Schools for the past 10 years as a paraprofessional at the Early Learning Center which includes preschool. She also taught summer school for several years for kindergartners through fourth grade students, as well as a substitute teacher throughout the school year. For the past four years, she’s taught Camp Invention.
Her student teaching was completed in a kindergarten class at Wayne Elementary.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in May from the University of Nebraska-Kearney with an early childhood inclusive focus.
She is married to Jim. Children include a 24-year-old son, Austin, who attends the University of Nebraska Medical Center, who recently married Isabelle; a 21-yearold son, Carter, who lives in Carroll; and a 17-year-old daughter Regan, who is a junior at Wayne High School.
Fernau enjoys spending time with her family, reading, baking and attending sprint car racing.
*** Paxton Peters
This year’s fourthgrade students will be visiting the state capitol in Lincoln - just one of many special learning activities planned by new teacher Paxton Peters.
A graduate of Norfolk Public Schools, Peters was attracted to LCC’s smaller school size situated in a smaller community to start her teaching career.
She will be graduating from Wayne State College in December with her bachelor’s degree in elementary education. While attending college, she worked as a teacher’s aid in preschool and nursery for Rainbow World Childcare Center, Wayne. Last year, she worked at the Coleridge Middle School as a Level III special education paraprofessional.
“I am super excited to meet everyone and have a terrific school year,” she said. “I am looking forward to growing positive relationships with my students, parents, and co-workers throughout the year.’
*** Izac Reifenrath
One could say that Izac Reifenrath has come full circle - after attending and graduating from LCC, he’s now back at the school, this time to teach.
Reifenrath is teaching fifth grade this year at the elementary.
“Laurel is home for me and when I was talked to about this position it was a no-brainer for me,” he said.
It will be his first teaching job after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in K-12 health and physical education with a coaching minor from Wayne State College. Prior experience includes his student-teaching job as well as substitute teaching.
He’s excited to share some new English Language Arts units and Social Studies projects with his fifth-grade students.
“The thing I’m most looking forward to this school year is building strong relationships with my students as well as my colleagues,” he said. “I am very excited to be here and to get this school year rolling.”
*** Marissa Remm
Marissa Remm will be teaching Math and Reading to first and second graders in her first professional teaching role this year at LCC.
“I am looking forward to getting to know the kids and forming positive relationships with them,” she said.
She’s familiar with the educational needs of first-graders after student teaching for that grade at Woodland Park Elementary in Norfolk. She also has extensive experience as a substitute teacher.
A native of Stanton, Remm earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Wayne State College.
She was attracted to the position at LCC due to being located in a small community not too far from home.
While not working, she enjoys reading.
“Books are my favorite way to pass time,” she said.
*** Natasha Tasler
Natasha Tasler, Laurel, will be teaching Level III special education part-time this year at LCC.
“It’s a great way for me to get back into the classroom while still mining a work/life balance that works for our family,” she said. She has five children with her husband, Nate, including Abby, 18; Kate, 17; Josiah, 15; Ruby, 13; and Micah, 10.
A native of Wayne, she previously taught special education at the eighthgrade level in Bellevue, and worked as the assistant children’s librarian in Gretna. She’s also been an avid volunteer within homeschooling circles as well as her church for the past 15 years.
Tasler holds a bachelor’s degree from Wayne State College in elementary education and special education K-12.
While she’s not working she enjoys spending time with family, reading, traveling.
“Also, I really love food. I’m always up for trying a new food, recipe or restaurant,” she said.