Two Nebraska teachers and Husker alumni have been selected to receive the 2026 Freda Battey Distinguished Educator Award, presented by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s College of Education and Human Sciences. The award recipients are Shaun Hoover, Spanish teacher at Millard North High School, and Stacy Moore, special education coordinator at Scottsbluff Public Schools.
The Battey Award honors the life and career of Freda Drath Battey, a 1923 graduate of Nebraska’s Teachers College and longtime public school teacher in Ashland, Nebraska. Battey’s family established the Distinguished Educator Award in her memory in 1986.
The criteria for the award are “excellence in teaching, coupled with recognition in other complementary education activities, such as counseling of students or initiation of student-oriented programs.”
Shaun Hoover
Hoover has dedicated more than 20 years to educating and mentoring students at Millard North. He graduated from Nebraska in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in education and human sciences and an endorsement in Spanish, began his career teaching Spanish and has since taken on a variety of leadership roles. Since 2017, he has served as the World Language Department head, overseeing faculty and courses while continuing to teach Spanish and Advanced Placement Spanish.
Beyond teaching, Hoover has remained deeply involved in the Millard North community through coaching and other student activities. He has coached football, wrestling and soccer at the middle and high school levels, providing students with mentorship and guidance beyond the classroom.
“His classroom is a place where students feel seen, supported and challenged to grow, not just as learners of Spanish, but as people,” said Aaron Bearinger, Millard North principal. “His ability to build meaningful relationships with students is remarkable. He has a unique talent for encouraging young people to be the best version of themselves, often serving as a mentor, motivator and role model.”
Stacy Moore
Moore has dedicated more than three decades to supporting students with disabilities and creating more inclusive schools. A 1988 Husker alumna with a bachelor’s degree in special education, she began her career as a special education teacher and has held a variety of teaching and leadership roles. Since 2013, she has served as a special education coordinator with Scottsbluff Public Schools, working with students, families, educators and community partners to support student success and prepare students for life beyond graduation.
Moore’s contributions include the creation of the Peer Para Program, which allows students interested in education to serve as peer paraeducators for students with disabilities. Through the program, student paraeducators develop an understanding of diverse abilities and learn skills to support their peers, while students with disabilities benefit from increased academic support, connection and friendship. Moore has shared the program with educators across Nebraska and beyond through education conferences.
“Stacy Moore exemplifies a true heart for service,” said Andreana Fertig-Marlow, Scottsbluff High School counselor. “Her dedication to educating students and their families about the disabilities they are working with is remarkable. She empowers them by providing the knowledge and resources necessary to advocate for themselves within the school and their communities.”
Hoover and Moore were honored at an award reception and luncheon at the College of Education and Human Sciences on Sept. 11. Each recipient received an inscribed school bell and cash award.