Do you know the Nebraska Dept. of Education mission statement is “to lead and support the preparation of ALL Nebraskans for learning, earning, and living?” Do you further know that in this COVID-19 crisis I’ve asked our team to put a special emphasis on “living?” #NebraskaStrong

The NDE mission is about people. Always has been. Always will be. Today, more than ever in this modern day crisis, I wake up thinking what else can we do to help. Although we are still fighting this virus in our across our state, the mission will guide us. #NebraskaStrong

Learning: NDE established Continuity of Learning plans to focus energy to support ongoing efforts in schools but also continues to support our clients’ learning through adult basic education and Vocational Rehabilitation . “Learning” is an action toward recovery. #NebraskaStrong

Earning: Leading and supporting earning right now at the NDE takes many forms. The Disability Determination System (DDS) is supporting clients to receive Social Security and we are also navigating strategies to support earning for ALL to get back to work safely. #NebraskaStrong

Living: This disruption impacts Nebraskans in every facet of “living” and supporting the response and recovery is about protecting people and working to restore livelihood in due time. This means leading and supporting other agencies and partners in the recovery. #NebraskaStrong

At the Nebraska Department of Education, we sustain a focus on our mission because it is critical for ALL Nebraskans as we all look forward to beating the ravages of this pandemic in all its forms. It is about the be people of Nebraska and people everywhere. #NebraskaStrong

What is driving you today? Is it how we can help one another? Is it how you support the people around you? Is it your family and community? Is it your students? Is it all Nebraskans? If so, I’m with you %We’ll get through this together! #NebraskaStrong