Vicki Brabec Retires after Teaching
Launch the media gallery 1 playerAs the school year comes to an end, Leigh Elementary will have to say goodbye to Mrs. Vicki Brabec. After 42 and a half years of being the Title 1 teacher, she has decided to retire.
After graduating high school from Clarkson, Mrs. Brabec earned a dual degree from UNL in Human Development and Elementary Teaching. She graduated in December and was hired at Leigh in January.
Her first year was her half-year, and after that she continued to teach for 42 years!
She later earned a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction.
Although she began as a full time teacher, she switched to part-time after she had children.
Her roles have varied throughout her career. She worked at the elementary and the high school during her first years. She also worked at Zion school when they were still open.
She also recalls going back to the high school again in the 90s to teach ReCare, a reading comprehension and research program, with Terri Wietfeld and various other English teachers.
Most recently, she spends her whole day at the elementary school with Title students providing reading and math assistance and reteaching for struggling students.
“My favorite memories come from my students. Helping them and watching them grow has truly enriched my life, and I will miss them,” Mrs. Brabec said.
Over the years, she relates, she has seen some of her students turn into great successes, such as business owners, bankers, pilots, and nurses.
“Seeing the kids I’ve taught turn into wonderful adults, and keeping in contact with them has been the most rewarding aspect of my career.”
Mrs. Robin Urban, kindergarten teacher, has had the privilege of working with Mrs. Brabec for multiple years.
“Mrs. Brabec knows a tremendous amount of reading and math strategies and she has used them to help a great number of students throughout her whole career. She has encouraged many students as she has given them strategies for success. I wish her the best as she moves on, and I hope she enjoys her retirement!”
As she looks back on her career, Mrs. Brabec said she most wants to thank the parents of the students she has had over the years. She also says that her best advice to younger teachers is “Always be honest. Teachers, students, and parents should always be honest. And always cheer for the underdog. With encouragement, kids can do anything.”
When asked what she plans to do during her retirement, Mrs. Brabec said, “Instead of living at work, I’m going to work at living.”
“And I’m still going to sew!” she quickly added. “But now I’ll be able to sew during the day instead of at night.”
Mrs. Brabec also has her first grandchild on the way, so she said she plans on spending time with her new grandchild in Minneapolis as well.
As I was interviewing Mrs. Brabec for this article, I realized what a personable, caring person she is. It was my pleasure to interview her. I know the students and staff at the elementary will surely miss a great teacher!
From everybody at Leigh Community Schools, we thank Mrs. Brabec for all the time, effort, and hard work she has put in throughout her years as a teacher, not only for the elementary, but in the community as well. We congratulate her on a successful career and wish her the best of luck in retirement!