Our "Employee Spotlight" series aims to showcase the unique personalities, talents, and stories that contribute to the success of our district. This section celebrates the incredible individuals who make our Lansing USD469 community thrive.
Nicholas Black, Special Education (Autism)
Question: How long have you worked for Lansing USD469?
Answer: I believe this is year 9.
Question: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and the role you have within the school district?
Answer: Up until 10 yrs ago, if you would have told me I would be working in education, I wouldn't have believed you. Fast forward to today, and I have done everything from being a para in each building in the district, to working several long term substitute positions in almost every building. I even got some summer painting in there with the best painting crew in the area (Shout out to Don, Josh, and Gary).
Working in the Lansing School District has been a life changing experience for me in many different ways. I am currently working on my Special Education degree (K-12) and am participating in the Kansas Teachers Apprenticeship program. Currently, I am working at the high school as the Autism caseload manager and as a Unified Bowling Coach.
Lastly, I would probably be in trouble if I didn't mention the most important outcome from my time here at USD 469, and that is that I met my future wife while working at the elementary school a couple years ago. Hi Shalee, don't worry I wont tell anyone about your snoring.
Question: What do you enjoy most about your role and the work you do in the school district?
Answer: To me, the most satisfying part of the job I do is getting to work with people of this community . Not only do I enjoy working with the kids and watching them grow and overcome challenges, but I get to work with some of the best educators anyone could ask for. No matter what building I'm in or what grade level I am working with, there is always a strong support group to provide advice and help guide me along the way. Like many of the students I work with, I wouldn't have survived without those supports.
Question: When you're not working, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy?
Answer: I am a huge Miami Dolphins and Kansas Jayhawk fan. If they are playing, you best believe I am watching. Other hobbies include tinkering with cars and playing with my dog Blair. She's pretty awesome.
Question: What is something unusual about you that most people don't know?
Answer: I don't like chocolate.
Question: Could you share a particularly heartwarming or memorable experience you've had while working with students or colleagues?
Answer: One of the most memorable experiences that comes to mind is getting to pop into my sister's class while we were both working at the elementary school. Being able to go into her class and interact with her students with her is something that really brought this position full circle for me. It wasn't long ago that we were both students ourselves and were hopping on the bus back in Oregon to get to school like these students did that very day.
Question: What piece of advice would you like to offer to students to help them succeed and make the most of their educational journey?
Answer: There is a quote from a famous scholar/future Super bowl winning coach that really strikes a bell for me. "Adversity is opportunity" - Coach Mike McDanial