Just two years into his tenure as assistant principal at Seward High, Rich Eber is an award winner.
Eber was named the Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals Region I Assistant Principal of the Year April 19.
“I found out Wednesday night,” he said. “I think I was the only one who didn’t know.”
As assistant principal, Eber’s duties include supporting students, teachers and administration. He works with attendance and discipline, as well as with the alternative school to make it more a part of the school district.
Eber taught at Seward High for six years before moving into his administrative role. As a former teacher, he said he can relate to what goes on in the classroom and the stresses that have come after Covid-19.
In addition to working with students and teachers, Eber also gets to attend events as a supervisor, which he enjoys.
Eber didn’t set out to be in education, however.
“My goal was to be a professional baseball player, and it was until my last play at UNK,” he said.
Eber played catcher and designated hitter for the Lopers. Coaching was a natural step, but he was not certified to teach. He went back to Tampa, Florida, and got his teacher certification.
“I got into teaching so I could coach, but once I started teaching, my priority changed,” he said.
He found he loved teaching and now misses being in the classroom.
He started taking administrative classes to learn the other side of education and improve his classroom skills. As he learned more, he saw where his path could lead.
“I want to help every student,” he said.
SHS Principal Scott Axt and Activities Director John Moody have been good mentors, he said, answering all his questions.
Eber said his wife Amy has been supportive of his move to administrative and his children Jolie, who will turn 13 soon, and Nicholas, who is 9, think his role is OK.
He’s looking forward to being able to attend his children’s activities once they reach high school.
He said his goals include continuing to learn new ways to reach out to students, parents and the community, which is part of the district’s mission statement – “Make every student a success.”
He said the award is a team recognition for the staff, students and administration.
“It’s a labor of love. I love Seward and Seward Public Schools,” he said. “I hope I’m here until I retire.”
