By: Brittney Clark –

Every year the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools honors one student and one educator from each school who are an inspiration to their school and their community. On April 20, Inspire Award recipients Fidan Ibrahimova (11) and English teacher Sara Danielson were recognized for their accomplishments.

“My internal dialogue said, ‘Well, look at that!’ I felt pleased and grateful,” said Danielson. “It’s always nice to be appreciated.”

This award is presented to each school throughout the district, “in a celebration of excellence and hope that touches each of our 61 school communities.” However, it is a lesser known award despite its widespread outreach.

“I had peripheral knowledge of the award’s existence, but when I received word that I was this year’s staff recipient at Southeast, I did some digging and found out it was bestowed upon Jesi Dewitt and Sandra Babcock in 2015 and 2016, respectively,” said Danielson. “I have an unending supply of respect for both Babcock and Dewitt, so I was happy to join their ranks.”

Danielson has worked as a teacher for five years and the main principle of her success has been her involvement.

“I try to be patient and consistently present. If this stance allows students to engage in the world around them in a more meaningful way (from making it to class to assembling and carrying out service projects), then I am happy to provide that space and that support.”

Dedication and passion have inspired her to offer the most she can, day in and day out.

“I don’t want to shortchange my students, so I work to provide learning opportunities that are relevant and develop necessary skills. At the end of each semester, I intend for the students and I to leave each other’s company better than when we first met — with sharper skills and with the gumption to tackle complex issues thoughtfully, unafraid.”

Throughout her career, her teaching approach hasn’t been the only to thing to evolve; she has herself too, which has benefited her both personally and professionally.

“I’ve learned to listen more and to ask more questions. Perhaps as a result of this, I have found a healthy balance of serving the LSE community, supporting students, and, most importantly, staying focused on my family.”

So what’s next?

“The only place I go from here is back to work! I think the purpose of the award is to encourage educators and students to keep on keepin’ on, so you’ll continue to find me where I always am — in E214, the Windowless Wonder, with the big gold chair and the Potato Heads.”