51ÊÓƵ

Staff Spotlight: Deb Eastman - speech language pathologist in LPS special education

October 11, 2024

Every week, we’ll shine a spotlight on one 51ÊÓƵ staff member! Get to know the wonderful people making a positive impact across various areas within LPS. This week, meet Deb Eastman, speech language pathologist in LPS special education.

“I have known Deb through the community for almost 20 years and have great respect and appreciation for the level of personal investment she has in her work. She is well respected by her peers. Her work as a SLP promotes special relationships with students that last far beyond the years they are on her caseload. Deb is a staple in the Lincoln running community. She has developed a cross country program at Irving Middle School that feeds quality runners to many area high schools.” - Chris Pultz, ed tech analyst, LPS computing services.

In a few sentences, briefly describe your role at LPS.
I have a couple of roles within LPS. First, I'm a speech language pathologist (SLP) at Irving Middle School and Saratoga Elementary School. My job is to help students become better communicators through speaking, listening, reading and writing or via Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Second, I coach middle school cross country and track at Irving.  

How long have you worked for LPS?
This is my 32nd year in LPS.

What inspired you to become part of the education field at LPS?
I did my first student teaching experience out of state in the South. It was not the greatest experience. Then I was hooked up with a veteran speech pathologist at West Lincoln Elementary School, and she gave me experiences that demonstrated how SLPs in the educational field should work to be effective in schools. The University of Nebraska has a strong program and support of training SLPs in LPS. While I was in college, LPS had the reputation of excellence for its SLP team.

What has been your favorite part of working here? What aspect of your job do you find most rewarding?
I love working with a wide range of special needs students and disabilities to help them become more independent and confident in their communication abilities. Another rewarding aspect is working with and learning from other speech language pathologists. Our team is always evolving and growing to apply new research and strategies. I also love distance running and get super excited to see how students progress in their running skills, have fun and hopefully become lifelong active people.

Did you attend LPS as a student? If so, which school(s)? If not, where are you from?
I attended Arnold (K-1), Beattie (2-6), Irving Jr. High and Lincoln Southeast High School.

What path did you take after completing your formal education?
After graduating from Lincoln Southeast, I attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for both my undergraduate and graduate work in communication disorders. I also have a master's degree from Concordia University in the area of literacy/reading with an endorsement in English Language Learners. I was a summer graduate, so I only had a few days off before I started my job as a SLP in LPS.

What do you enjoy most about the Lincoln community?
Lincoln has always been a city with a smaller town feel. When you meet new people you can often make a connection with someone you are both acquainted with. Lincoln is also "the middle of everywhere" and I'm proud that we support newcomers and refugee families. As an avid runner and dog walker, I appreciate our great parks and trails.

What is your favorite childhood book or a book that has influenced your life positively?
I'm a poetry type of gal. My favorite childhood book was "Where the Sidewalk Ends" by Shel Silverstein. It's a fun, joyful and humorous collection of poetry. It made poetry more accessible to children. It inspired me to read more poetry of all types and write poems of my own.

Share a shout out to a teacher who impacted your life.
Mrs. Jane Reinkordt was the teacher who impacted my life the most. She taught German at Southeast High School. She made learning fun and engaging and had positive relationships with students. I also had the pleasure of babysitting for the Reinkordt family and it was one of my first experiences with a bilingual family. The language experience I had in and out of the classroom has helped me in understanding language development when working with my students in LPS now.

Do you know a LPS staff member we should feature for ? to nominate them!

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