Faculty in the CDL have a unique and challenging role. Within each classroom there are always at least two levels of learners; college students and young children. CDL faculty must work to scaffold the learning of each individual. Staffing of faculty in the classroom has been planned with this in mind. Each classroom contains a Master Teacher, a Bachelor-level Head Teacher and an Assistant Teacher who work together to meet the diverse needs of the classroom.
The role of the Master Teacher is to plan and implement effective and appropriate learning experiences for the college students enrolled in CYAF 497A. These experiences include classroom teaching experiences, reflection activities, documentation work and the like. The Master Teacher also ensures that experiences appropriate for other students assigned to the classroom (CYAF 270, 374, 385, etc.) are met. Experiences for these students are planned by the course instructor but carried out in the classroom. The Master Teacher works with the Head Teacher and Assistant Teacher to determine effective ways to provide these students appropriate feedback and coaching in order to meet course goals. Although the Master Teacher is primary responsible for college students, the master Teacher, Head Teacher and Assistant Teacher will work together to ensure the overall safety, function and smooth operation of the classroom.
The role of the Head Teacher and Assistant Teacher is primarily to ensure smooth operation of the classroom and guarantee the needs of the children are effectively met. The Head Teacher and Assistant Teacher also serves as model for college students by planning, implementing and evaluating activities/experiences for children, developing PACT (Parents and Children Together) events, developing groupings for children, approving newsletters and other methods of parent-school communication and the like. The teaching team also provides on-the-spot coaching for students when appropriate.
Jennifer Leeper Miller, M.S.
CHILD DEVELOPMENT FACULTY IN THE CHILD, YOUTH, AND FAMILY STUDIES DEPARTMENT,
DIRECTOR AT RUTH STAPLES CHILD DEVELOPMENT LABORATORY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA-LINCOLN.
2004-PRESENT.
As the Director, I focus on meeting the needs of our families, children, students, and staff. I maintain all required records for Nebraska licensing and NAEYC accreditation. It is a goal of mine to continue to build public relations and create professional opportunities for the faculty members and students to disseminate action research taking place in our daily lives in the classroom. I encourage our families at the lab school to have an active role in their child’s learning experiences.
I have studied and observed early childhood in Italy, Scotland, New Zealand, and China. I am thankful for these experiences and am inspired by various cultural views of Early Childhood Education.
In spring of 2014, I was awarded the Terri Lynne Lokof/Children’s Tylenol National Child Care Teacher Award. I enjoy family time outside fishing, walking, exploring with my husband and three children, Leo, Ruby, and Dexter, who are all Ruth Staples Alumni children!
Mollie von Kampen
CHILD DEVELOPMENT FACULTY IN THE CHILD, YOUTH, AND FAMILY STUDIES DEPARTMENT,
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR AND MASTER TEACHER.
2013-PRESENT.
I have called Ruth Staples home for many years. I completed my undergraduate work at the lab and was also a graduate assistant. My undergraduate degree is in Inclusive early childhood education and my master’s degree is in child development and early childhood education. Both are from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. I have been in the field of teaching both toddlers and preschoolers for over ten years both here in Nebraska and also in Kansas. I have also worked as a master teacher at Educare of Lincoln.
I am honored to be a part of children’s learning here at the lab school. Spending time in the outdoor classroom is my favorite part of our day. Watching the children explore and connect with nature is such an extraordinary experience. Every day is new and exciting when we head outdoors. I also have a passion for sharing books with children and I always make time to read and share stories. Sharing and coaching pre-service teachers to be a part of play-based learning is incredibly rewarding and I am honored to be a part of their teaching journey.
Eric Unrau
CHILD DEVELOPMENT FACULTY IN THE CHILD, YOUTH, AND FAMILY STUDIES DEPARTMENT,
LEAD TEACHER
2011-PRESENT
I was born in Freeman South Dakota where I was a “preacher’s kid.” We moved to Lincoln when I was five years! I went to Southeast Community College where I received an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education and graduated with Distinction. I worked at the SCC ECE Center for 20 years before moving to the Ruth Staples Child Development Lab School in 2011 where I taught in the Goldenrod Classroom serving children and families, training preservice students and working in a state of the art indoor and outdoor classrooms.I have two children, Nicholas and Taytum and I have an older brother Kent who lives in Italy with his wife Waltraud. I love doing anything in the great outdoors; traveling, mountain biking, camping, climbing, backpacking, skiing,(you get the idea) with my family and listening to music both recorded and live.
I have been a teacher of early childhood education for 27 years. I value the role of the child in the learning process and prioritize building relationships with the children and families in any classroom! My favorite experiences in the teaching role are exploring outside with children and seeing the world through their lens of awe and wonder about the world around them. In 2015 I was awarded the Terri Lynne Lokof/Children’s Tylenol National Child Care Teacher Award.
I strive to provide quality classroom experiences that support the development of problem-solving, critical thinking, and logical reasoning skills. My goal is to assist children in learning competent and appropriate social emotional behaviors as part of our classroom community.
Chelsea Brisbin, B.S.
CHILD DEVELOPMENT FACULTY IN THE CHILD, YOUTH, AND FAMILY STUDIES DEPARTMENT,
HEAD TEACHER IN THE BLUESTEM CLASSROOM.
I come from a large unique family from Grand Island, NE but have lived here in Lincoln since I came here for college. I am lucky enough to have been a former Ruth Staples Student teacher, I graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2016 with a dual Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Development. Working with Ruth Staples as a student teacher is where I found my passion for Early Childhood! I began my career at Ruth Staples in January 2019, after working as a Lead Teacher with the Early Head Start program for several years.
My family, husband Jeff and son Braden and dog Ollie, love spending time outdoors as much as possible. We spend a lot of time camping, playing in our neighborhood and exploring new places. We also love to visit both of our families in Grand Island or having them come visit us here!
I am so excited to be a part of the Ruth Staples team! I love being able to work on building such strong relationships with the children as well as the families. I defiantly feel lucky to be apart of this wonderful program where children are in control of their learning and I get to be their guide to experiences!
Mismiki Montomery
CHILD DEVELOPMENT FACULTY IN THE CHILD, YOUTH, AND FAMILY STUDIES DEPARTMENT,
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION COACH.
2018-PRESENT.
As the first Early Childhood Education Coach for the lab school, I am multi-passionate about topics that simulate children are too young to understand. I write and create developmentally appropriate curriculum in areas of diversity, equity and inclusion, early nutrition intervention and mindfulness. One of my favorite activities to do with our children is year-round gardening and caring for our school plant families!
My Associates Degree in Early Childhood Development was completed at SCC. I then transferred to the University to complete my undergraduate in Inclusive early childhood education. I have 30 years’ experience working in the field of education which includes preschool, elementary education, and various school-age youth development programs. For a short time, I was the youth director for a non-profit preschool/youth program where I worked to build partnerships with the community that assisted the needs of underserved youth in Lincoln, NE, and learned a great deal on trauma-informed care.
I was born in Englewood, NJ but left the east coast when I was 2yrs old. I have traveled all over the U.S. and grew up mostly in the Midwest. During my early youth, I lived in the United Kingdom for 4 years and am grateful for being able to experience another country’s culture and education system at such a young age. My favorite activity while there was beachcombing the English seashores and developing a natural love for the ocean!
I am the mother of 4 boys (Darion, Isaac, Malcolm and Benjamin) and the wife of one husband (Vern). Our boys are very active in competitive sports that mostly include football and basketball, and thrive in athlete leadership. Our family time includes a lot of eat, sleep, sports and repeat!
I couldn’t be more grateful to have found my home at Ruth Staples CDL and as a faculty member of the CYAF department. After all of my experiences, I have learned the importance of working for and with others who value your contributions and expertise. I am very honored and proud to be a part of the UNL lab school.
Madeline Williams
CHILD DEVELOPMENT FACULTY IN THE CHILD, YOUTH, AND FAMILY STUDIES DEPARTMENT,
LEAD TEACHER