Hiring Coordinator Helps Former Students Return to the Classroom

A former French teacher at Norris Middle and principal at Benson High, Tom Wagner understands what it takes to make a lasting impact on students. Today, he draws on more than 30 years of experience in Omaha Public Schools to recruit educators who will make a difference in the lives of our students. 

“If I can get an Omaha Public Schools graduate back to the school they graduated from, that does so much for building culture and school spirit,” said Wagner, Talent Services secondary certified hiring coordinator. 

Wagner recalls an unexpected encounter with a former student during a recruiting call with student teachers from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. What he didn’t know beforehand was that Eric Jacob, a former student of his, was among the attendees. 

“I was shocked to see Tom. He was my French teacher at Norris Middle more than 20 years ago,” said Jacob, Westview High English teacher. “When I told him who I was, his face lit up and was joyful as we reminisced about our time at Norris.” 

Jacob says Wagner played a big role in his second career as a teacher. On his first day at Westview High, he found a note from Wagner. 

The note read, “You are going to love it at Westview. Regardless of how old you’ve made me feel, I’m sure you’re going to make a difference with our kids.” 

“I want to be as good a teacher as he was to me,” Jacob said. “I hope one day I can write a former student a note like his note to me that day.” 

Jacob is one example of the many connections Wagner has with students who have gone on to become colleagues. 

“Helping educators return to their roots is gratifying,” Wagner said. “And a reminder that the relationships built in classrooms can last for decades.”