BEATRICE – Nebraska’s Education Commissioner publicly thanked Nebraska’s teachers for their work in keeping the process of learning going, through a viral pandemic this year.


School buildings had to be closed this spring across Nebraska, as students and their instructors shifted to a process of learning from home, online or by video conference. State Education Commissioner Matt Blomstedt says it was an untypical end to a career for some teachers.


"We talk so much about the class of 2020 and the special need to recognize them, but our teachers that are retiring this year...it's probably a difficult time for them to be leaving the career they've dedicated much of their lives to. I just want to thank all of them, as well during this Teacher Appreciation Week".


State education officials and school administrators are now focusing on what next school year will look like. Blomstedt says there is an opportunity this summer to learn about and discuss best procedures and policies heading toward this next school year.
Blomstedt Thursday announced a “Launch Nebraska” campaign, using a website…


www.launchne.com

"It actually starts to describe several different things...key areas, leadership and planning....our governance and operations and how we're going to use technology in this moment in time, to really filling gaps we may be experiencing in learning opportunities. Thinking about the conditions for learning, the wellness that has to take place at the facility level...and just in monitoring and watching the conditions in public health, around us".

The commissioner said the website will have professional development resources, including effectiveness in an online learning environment. Some schools have had to adjust summer learning programs because of the coronavirus pandemic.

"I think it's remarkable what teachers have done, it's remarkable what administrators have done and what communities have thought about to fill the gaps that might persist. We're gonna have to continue to do that work, and I think we can do that well, and best, collectively".

Blomstedt said one of the issues is meeting the needs of students with special needs.