Administrative Support Award

2026 Recipient: Julie Schik

The Nebraska Writing Project is honored to celebrate Julie Schik with the 2026 Administrative Leadership Award. An administrator in Omaha Public Schools, Julie has worked tirelessly to forward student literacy through meaningful teacher support. In the words of her nominator, Shelby Schmidt,

Julie has always led with a sincere care for teachers. This is so evident in her work with the Nebraska Writing Project. Even in a busy first year navigating her new role overseeing the English education of all middle and high schools in the largest school district in the state, Julie worked to prioritize allocating funding for teachers to attend the Summer Institute. Her support in this facet has been beneficial to providing teachers district-wide, especially young teachers, relevant, career impacting professional development. She even came at it through an equity lens, ensuring that students across the district would benefit from teachers with this kind of training.

As NeWP Director, I have been so impressed with Julie’s tenacity and deep commitment to connecting her teachers with empowering professional development experiences. When the initial plans we set up for teachers to attend the Summer Institute did not pan out, and neither did the second or third, Julie did not give up—she got creative and led us to a solution that worked. The teachers that have been through the institute with her support reflect her impact. In the words of one, “When I began the program, I believe I saw myself as a writer only so far as all English teachers consider themselves writers in some way. Now that I'm at the end of the program, I not only feel like I've found my voice in writing, but I also feel that I know my strengths, my passions, and my niche . . . I believe this is the toolbox for teaching writing that I needed after my first year. I feel like an expert.” Hearing this kind of empowering voice coming from a first year teacher is incredible, and it is a testament to the kind of holistic support Julie offers.

Julie’s nominator continues, “I have been so proud to be a product of Julie’s leadership. She has personally supported me in countless ways—whether it was attending my sessions at NCTE simply because I was part of it, seeking my input on the curriculum I teach, or honestly just sharing stories of motherhood together. Julie sees her teachers as experts and humans who deserve positive professional and personal growth.” Julie Shik embodies the NeWP value of respecting teachers, and we are thrilled to present her with the 2026 Administrative Leadership Award.