Holmes educators reflect on mentorship that shaped a career

March 12, 2026

Mentorship can make all the difference in a career. At Holmes Elementary School, it also created a full-circle moment. Years after learning from teacher Buffy Beerenstrauch as a student teacher, Michelle Reinke now leads the same school as principal.

In 2000, Reinke started as a fresh student teacher assisting Beerenstrauch with her second grade class at Holmes. She had known since childhood that she wanted to become a teacher, but working side by side with Beerenstrauch gave her a clear picture of the kind of educator she hoped to be. In Beerenstrauch’s classroom, students were held to high expectations while knowing their teacher cared deeply about their success.

 
“Buffy always showed the passion of educating, had high energy, and you could see how much she was there for students,” Reinke said. “She is a natural teacher and I am forever grateful for the experiences I have had and knowledge gained from her. She will do anything for anyone and she truly supported all aspects in my pre-teaching as well as through my career.”

At the time, Beerenstrauch was also building her own career at Holmes. Reinke was the first student teacher she mentored, beginning a professional relationship that has continued as both educators grew in their roles within Lincoln Public Schools.

“What I remember is Michelle's extraordinary way with students, her relationships, love of teaching and commitment to doing her best!” Beerenstrauch said. 

She stayed in touch with Reinke as her former student teacher built a career in LPS, teaching special education at Riley Elementary from 2004 to 2014 and later serving in leadership roles at Prescott and Eastridge before returning to Holmes as assistant principal in 2023. She stepped into the principal role at the start of the current school year.

“She has had so many different teaching positions and administration positions, which I think has made her into the amazing leader she is today,” Beerenstrauch said. “I was so excited when she got the assistant principalship job because I knew she would be an amazing addition to our Holmes family! Michelle puts the staff and students first.”

Reinke said it was a dream come true to return to Holmes. 

“I am forever thankful for the opportunity to be the principal of Holmes,” she said. “I can't put my finger on it, but its culture is amazing and I am lucky to be a part of it by supporting students, staff and families!”

That connection between mentor and student teacher reflects something both educators say defines Holmes.

Beerenstrauch said the school has long felt like a family, where staff support one another and invest deeply in students and their success.

For both educators, the mentorship that began in a classroom more than two decades ago continues to shape their work today, reflecting the culture of support and connection that makes Holmes a special place to teach and learn.

Interested in starting a career in education? Explore student teaching and career opportunities with Lincoln Public Schools.

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