LINGLE – There is a well-known quote often attributed to Maya Angelou which says, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people …
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LINGLE – There is a well-known quote often attributed to Maya Angelou which says, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Vicki Korell is one of those people who is remembered, appreciated, and cherished by everyone she works with as a substitute teacher at Lingle-Fort Laramie School.
Korell taught middle school math for ten years in Nebraska before moving to the Lingle-Fort Laramie School, where she taught middle school math for another fifteen years. She retired nearly ten years ago, but as she continued to run into former students and stayed involved in the school in various ways, she decided to return as a substitute teacher.
“I just missed the kids,” she said. “And I missed the teachers. It’s such a positive atmosphere.”
In her time as a substitute, Korell has become more than a reliable educator – she’s a beloved member of the school family.
Korell exemplifies what it means to go above and beyond in her role. She is willing and able to step into any position, even covering for certified or classified staff.
“Her academic knowledge is incredible, and she can handle any curriculum,” Denise Jackson, librarian at Lingle-Fort Laramie and a parent of former students taught by Korell, said.
Jackson also noted that there isn’t anything Korell can’t do. Whether managing a full class or providing one-on-one intervention, Korell does it all—and she does it with a smile.
Beyond her professional skills, what truly sets Korell apart is her humility. Despite her years of experience, she gladly takes on tasks like recess duty, even on cold and windy days. She frequently covers lunchroom duties and has even been spotted cleaning tables.
Korell also has a special talent for brightening everyone’s day. Known for her baking skills, she often treats the staff to delicious homemade goodies, including her famous cinnamon rolls. Her generosity and thoughtfulness foster a sense of community and camaraderie among colleagues and students alike.
Substitute teachers play an integral role in school life. While schools are always in need of substitutes, fewer people sign up for the job each year. Korell encourages anyone seeking meaningful, flexible work to consider substitute teaching.
“Teachers see the best in everybody and work from there,” she said. “It’s a nice place to be, and we can create a safe place for the kids.” Even those without extensive experience can inspire a lifelong love of learning in students. However, Ms. Korell offers a friendly warning: “You kind of get hooked on it—hooked on those kids.”
Korell is a shining example of the profound impact one person can make. Staff and students alike speak of her love for the students, her commitment to the school, and her seemingly endless kindness, which have made her an irreplaceable part of the Lingle-Fort Laramie schools. She not only invests in the students but also encourages and supports the teachers and school staff. To Korell, it may feel like just another day at work. To the school community, it’s nothing short of extraordinary.