Deb Gernandt

Deb Gernandt graduated from Kearney State College with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and an endorsement in Special Education. She began her career teaching Special Education at Westridge Elementary in the Elkhorn Public School District. She demonstrated her leadership in the district through coaching and mentoring. She also worked to take Elkhorn from a pullout model in Special Education to an inclusive model and presented on this transition to several surrounding districts. She received a Master’s Degree in Learning Disabilities and Resource Teaching in 1996. In 1997, she moved to a second grade position at Westridge where she worked with a diverse population of students and differentiated instruction to ensure student learning at the highest level possible. In 1999, she earned a Master’s Degree in Elementary Administration.

In 2000, Ms. Gernandt worked to open Elkhorn’s new elementary school, Spring Ridge. She took a position there as the second grade lead teacher. During this time, Ms. Gernandt established her leadership through many roles both within her school and for the district. She served as Spring Ridge School Improvement Team co-chair, Second Grade Level Chair for the district, Math Curriculum Elementary Adoption Coordinator for the district, and Summer School Administrator. Within these positions, she facilitated meetings, analyzed data, organized action teams, and collaborated with staff, families, and the community. She provided coaching by mentoring several first year teachers and student teachers. She has written District Assessments and served on several district committees.

Ms. Gernandt received the Elkhorn Public Schools Carl White Educator of the Year Award in 2001 for her excellence in teaching. She was nominated for the University of Nebraska at Omaha Graduate Student of the Year in 1998 and for the Elkhorn Public Schools Teacher of the Year in 1996. Ms. Gernandt has always been a proponent of collaboration. She understands the value of everyone working together toward the common goal of student achievement and does her best to help create the environment necessary for this teamwork. She believes in creating a safe, positive setting for students, families, staff, and the community.