Staff Spotlight: Scott Luedtke - teacher at Lincoln North Star High School

January 23, 2026

Every week, we shine a spotlight on one Lincoln Public Schools staff member! This week, meet Scott Luedtke, skilled and technical sciences teacher at Lincoln North Star High School.

“Scott has transformed the Woods and Construction lab by working far above and beyond the regular contract day. There are only a few who arrive earlier, stay later or work more weekends than Scott. Not only has he physically transformed the lab, making it a clean, safe and attractive place to learn, but he has also built a reputation among students as a personable, knowledgeable and caring teacher who will keep students safe and help them grow as an individual and possibly consider a profession in the trades.

I have known Scott since he was my student at Lincoln Southwest High School and have recently had the privilege of working with him as a colleague for the past six years. Throughout all that time, Scott has shown himself to be both studious and innovative in the woodworking trade as well as the teaching trade. Scott’s growth as a skilled and technical sciences teacher is both admirable and commendable. Lincoln Public Schools, and especially Lincoln North Star High School, are blessed to have him as a teacher.” - Cory Free, North Star skilled and technical sciences department chair

How long have you worked for LPS?
I am in my seventh year at LPS. I started as a substitute teacher in February of 2019 after finishing my undergraduate Skilled and Technical Sciences (STS) teaching degree through the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in December of 2018. I student taught under Jon Critser and Jack Jenkins at Norris High School in Firth, Neb.

What inspired you to become part of the education field at LPS?
The countless number of teachers and family members who have encouraged me along the way. My mom (retired business and computer teacher at Park Middle School), my sister (ninth-year family and consumer sciences teacher at Lincoln High School, even though she’s a Vikings fan) and my aunt (principal at Clinton Elementary). All the shop teachers I have had in the past: Dan Widhelm in sixth grade at Pound Middle, Sean Applegate in seventh and eighth grade also at Pound, Cory Free (even though he’s a Lions fan), Kevin Hennecke and Jeff Jochum at Southwest High School, Kyle Schumann at Southwest (even though he’s a Bears fan) and  William Rogge (my “Calculus I” professor at UNL).

What has been your favorite part of working here? What aspect of your job do you find most rewarding?
The strong relationships I have built with my coworkers and the opportunity to serve so many students from so many different backgrounds.

Did you attend LPS as a student? If so, which school(s)? If not, where are you from?
I was born and raised right here in Lincoln. I went to Humann Elementary School from 1999-2005, Pound Middle School from 2005-2008 and Lincoln Southwest High School from 2008-2012.

What path did you take after completing your formal education?
Originally, I thought I would follow in my family’s footsteps by going into construction management, but I eventually found my way to math education and ultimately STS education. I completed my AAS in December 2016 from Southeast Community College (SCC)  Lincoln and Milford as part of UNL’s STS 2+2 program. In December 2018, I finished that UNL program. Now, I am just two classes away from receiving my master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Concordia University, Nebraska.

What do you enjoy most about the Lincoln community?
That the somewhat small town feels like a big city. How ironic it is that Rogge taught my uncles at Northeast in the late 1970s and early 1980s and in 2014 he was my “Calculus I” professor at UNL.

What is your favorite childhood book or a book that has influenced your life positively?
“Through Faith Alone: 365 Devotional Readings from Martin Luther (1999)” because my Christian faith means everything to me, without it I am nothing.

Share a shout out to a former teacher  who impacted your life.
Cory Free taught me at LSW from 2008 to 2009 and hired me at LNS in 2019.

Do you know a LPS staff member we should feature for Staff Spotlight? Fill out this form to nominate them!

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