At Elkhorn North this fall a surplus of new teachers joined the staff, one of them being special education teacher Lori Peterson. Peterson began her special education teaching career in Minnesota and has recently moved to Elkhorn.
“My husband took a job here [in Elkhorn],” Peterson said. “We have been here for about three weeks.”
The quick turnaround forced Peterson to adjust quickly to her new environment. Peterson’s old town in Minnesota consisted of only 3,500 people, compared to Elkhorn with about 10,500, and the Omaha metro with 967,604.
“The big difference is that there are more kids, more classes, and overall a bigger building,” Peterson said. “ There is so much here.”
Peterson hopes to explore downtown Omaha as well as visit the Henry Doorly Zoo. Prior to moving to Elkhorn the most she knew about the area was Elkhorn North. Now that Peterson has seen the school she is able to grow more familiar with her new home.
“People [here] are very friendly and helpful,” Peterson said. “When you start a new job it is kind of a lot… everyone’s been really nice.”
With the new responsibilities of this job, comes new questions.
“The systems that you use, the computers, its all different so I’m constantly asking questions.” Peterson said.
Prior to teaching, Peterson worked in marketing for over ten years. After Peterson’s mother passed, she decided to follow in her footsteps and became a special education teacher.
“I just love to help make their day pleasant, and make sure they don’t get anxious,” Peterson said.
Though Peterson’s mom gave her the love of special education, Peterson herself has created her own experiences and a reason to do the job.
“When I’m helping someone who may have more challenges, it just gives me purpose in life,” Peterson said. “I can really tell when I make a difference.”
While it is her job to help make the kids more comfortable, Peterson in return has gotten more comfortable in her new environment thanks to them too.
“What makes up a good school are the people,” Peterson said. “Elkhorn North has great people.”
