Lincoln East High School

We are so fortunate to have Ms. Cooper at East High School!

Helen Cooper is receiving state-level recognition for her work inspiring hundreds of Spartans as Lincoln East High School's theater director! The Nebraska Thespians organization honored her with the Nebraska Theater Teacher of the Year Award. The award highlights teachers who have gone above and beyond in helping students build their confidence and self-esteem on stage. Congratulations, Helen! 🎭🏆

Learn how East students have benefited from her award-winning mentorship in this story: https://www.lps.org/post/detail.cfm?id=16132

We are so fortunate to have Ms. Shively here at East!

STAFF SPOTLIGHT 🌟 Meet Nicole Shively, music teacher at Lincoln East High School. As a student, Nicole found a home in music at East. Now, she helps create those same opportunities and experiences for the next generation of Spartans. Read more in Nicole’s Q&A below.

“She's always there for her students and cares about what she does. She's a wonderful person to communicate with. We appreciate the amount of work she does for the band and just in general to better the community at East.” - Lenora, Lincoln East High School student.

In a few sentences, briefly describe your role at LPS.
I am a music teacher at East High School, where I teach Band, Music Technology and Guitar I & II. As the assistant band director, I teach marching and concert band in addition to leading several extracurricular ensembles. I am also the music department chair and the sponsor for East's Tri-M Music Honor Society chapter.

How long have you worked for LPS?
I just finished my eighth year teaching in LPS.

What inspired you to become part of the education field at LPS?
I always knew that I wanted to help people with my career, and I thought that becoming a music teacher would use my strengths in a way that I could really make a difference!

What has been your favorite part of working here? What aspect of your job do you find most rewarding?
My favorite parts of working at East are the relationships I have built and the growth I have helped foster. One of the best parts of teaching high school music is that you get to see students through all four years of high school. It is incredible to see them learn and develop from incoming freshmen to young adults ready to take on the world. I am also blessed to work with the best team of coworkers at East, who I learn from and laugh with every day!

In one word, what makes you proud to work for LPS?
Care.

Did you attend LPS as a student? If so, which school(s)? If not, where are you from?
I am a proud product of Lincoln Public Schools! I went to Morley Elementary School, Lux Middle School and East High School.

What path did you take after completing your formal education?
After graduating from East High School, I attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and earned my Bachelor of Music Education degree. I was very involved at UNL with the Cornhusker Marching Band, Phi Mu, Nebraska Human Resources Institute (NHRI) and the Honors Program. After graduation, I was hired to teach at East, and I have been there ever since!

What do you enjoy most about the Lincoln community?
Lincoln has been my home for my entire life. I love that there are so many opportunities, but it still feels like a big small town. I also love how Lincoln is an entertainment hub for Nebraska with Husker sports, Pinnacle Bank Arena and the Lied Center!

What is your favorite childhood book or a book that has influenced your life positively?
My favorite book series growing up was “The Boxcar Children.” I probably read every single one of those books! I loved trying to solve the mysteries alongside the characters.

Share a shout out to a former teacher who impacted your life.
I could shout out so many wonderful former teachers, but I will recognize one who continues to impact me every day. Mr. Thorpe was my band director in high school, and he has now been my mentor and colleague for the past eight years at East. He is one of the greatest educators and human beings that I know. As his student, Mr. Thorpe created opportunities for me to grow and a supportive culture for me to find a home in music. As a teacher and colleague, he trusted me to help lead our band program and has helped me become the teacher that I am today.

https://lps.org/post/detail.cfm?id=16128

Congratulations, Spartans!

Here we go, Spartans! Watch the Lincoln East High School graduation ceremony LIVE, either online or via the LNKTV Education channel, by visiting our special graduation homepage: home.lps.org/graduation.

Congratulations to East High staff award winners:

Ultimate Spartan - John Matzke
Spartan Newcomer - Vinny Nguyen

We are so proud of both of you!

Summer break is almost here, and its a good time to recharge brains and batteries (not just the digital kind)! 🧠🔋 Help your students find the right balance between online learning and hands-on fun. Check out this resource for inspiration: https://trst.in/B4O6Rf

Future Educators Signing Day was held at East High School on May 6, 2026, celebrating seniors from East as they commit to becoming educators. Congratulations Spartans!