University Alum Collects AIM Teaching Award

University Alum Collects AIM Teaching Award

By Dan Silvia, Communications Manager

As a teacher at Omaha South High School, Lana Yager works with disadvantaged kids who may not get the opportunity to learn technical skills. She goes above and beyond the call of duty teaching all aspects of computers, modern technologies, and robotics. In recognition of her service, Yager was named the 2015 AIM Institute Tech Educator of the Year.

Yager, a 2002 graduate of the University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, was surprised by the award. “Anyone who knows me knows that I'm NEVER speechless. When I learned about this award, I actually was speechless,” Yager said.

The award is presented to a dynamic K-12 or postsecondary educator who has risen to the top of the profession as an outstanding technology educator/administrator, a dynamic colleague, and a caring mentor to students.

In addition to her Bellevue University degree, Yager completed the post-bachelor’s teacher training program at the College of St. Mary and earned a Master of Arts in Education from Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska.

At South High, Yager teaches Computer Programming, Robotics Concepts, System Support, Digital Design, Introduction to Information Technology, and Intro to Programming. In addition, Yager hosts an after-school technology club, coaches the CyberPatriot and Robotics teams, and is working to bring the Girls Who Code program to the Omaha/Council Bluffs area.

“I am teaching an introductory computer programming class for all girls this year. I think these girls were very brave to venture into a subject so new and foreign to them! None of these girls had taken computer science classes before and now, several are planning to study CS in college after they graduate this year,” Yager said. “My main reason to get girls involved in IT is to help them build self-confidence. Teens with self-confidence normally make wiser life choices. Playing a role in helping students prepare for an exciting future in IT is pretty rewarding!”

Yager juggled work and family responsibilities, while pursuing her degree.

“The flexibility to take classes around a work schedule at Bellevue made it very 'do-able!” Yager said. “I was a single parent while working full time and the courses I took were relevant. It's obvious that BU works with local businesses when creating their curriculum.”

The late Dr. Ed Rauchut’s teaching style left an impression on Yager.

“Professor Edward Rauchut was an excellent instructor!” she said. “I frequently think of him and his teaching style and impact in his classroom.”