Mrs. Jill Schoettlin has taught third grade at Trinity since 2026. Prior to her time here, Mrs. Schoettlin worked in a variety of school settings, including as amclassroom teacher in pre-kindergarten, first, second, and fifth grades. She also has experience in online teaching. She served as a teacher aide at Trinity Lutheran School for the 2024-2025 school year, and as the Para Educator at Christ Lincoln Schools for the 2025-2026 school year. She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction.

I have spent the better part of the last 20 plus years educating young children. It has truly been rewarding to help guide them along the path to becoming exceptional citizens,” she said. Originally from upstate New York, Mrs. Schoettlin has lived in five states and Japan. With her husband now retired from the United States Air Force, Mrs. Schoettlin is happy to educate the children of Trinity in Lincoln, Nebraska. She guides her students to love Jesus, to love others as Jesus loves them, and to develop a love of reading and learning.

Mrs. Schoettlin uses a variety of methods to keep her students engaged in learning. “I believe that students, especially young ones, learn best through play. Even as they grow, they still need movement and a variety of instructional methods. Teachers can make learning fun by using a variety of methods and activities, as well as explaining why what they are learning is relevant to them, or how it can be useful in real world situations,” she said.

Technology is a valuable tool that Mrs. Schoettlin incorporates thoughtfully into her classroom, but she finds it is only one component of effective learning. “I have used interactive displays and other digital tools in my classroom successfully. While I value my students being well versed in the use of current technology, I also firmly believe that they learn best from using traditional learning tools, such as books, pencil and paper, as well as other physical manipulatives,” she said.

When interacting with students and parents, Mrs. Schoettlin strives for clear and open lines of communication and a welcoming school environment. She expects her students, “to be thoughtful and kind, honest and respectful, and to try their best in all that they do.”

Mrs. Schoettlin played soccer from ages 8 to 42. She enjoys baking and decorating cookies, reading and crafting. “I love Dr. Pepper and my family too!” she said. “My husband, Michael, my daughters, Katie and Ashley, and my son, Hunter are the greatest joys in my life.”