Couple teaches at Rock Hills Elementary

Fifth grade teacher, Libby Duffy, and her husband, Zach Duffy, elementary physical education teacher and high school basketball coach, met at the University of Nebraska Kearney. They have been married for three years. They have also been Jewell County residents for three years.

Mrs. Duffy is originally from Franklin, Neb., where she attended kingergarten through twelfth grades. She then went to college at the University of Nebraska Kearney where she obtained two bachelor's degrees; one in elementary education and the other in special education.

Mr. Duffy is originally from Guide Rock where he went to school until second grade, he then went to Superior until ninth grade and finished high school at Rock Hills. After high school, Mr. Duffy went to college at the University of Nebraska Lincoln and then transferred to the University of Nebraska Kearney where he received a bachelor's of arts and elementary education degree.

Mr. and Mrs. Duffy don't have any children, but they have a one and a half year old goldendoodle named Todd.

In his free time, Mr. Duffy enjoys golf, sports and travel. Mrs. Duffy enjoys do-it-yourself projects, attempting to cook and bake, and playing with Todd.

Mrs. Duffy became a teacher at 23. Before becoming a teacher, Mrs. Duffy worked in the bakery at a Hyvee store and in a mall boutique. Her favorite parts of her job are seeing the students become all they can be, memories of past classes and having her students look forward to class. "Making sure students leave class as a more rounded person is the hardest part," Mrs. Duffy said.

Mrs. Duffy is part of the fifth grade team at Rock Hills Elementary and is responsible for teaching math, science and social studies. COVID affected Mrs. Duffy by adding extra stress in explaining to students who might be scared about what was going on.

Mr. Duffy was 22 when he started teaching. This is his third year at Rock Hills. In his first year of teaching, Mr. Duffy taught sixth grade science in Gothenburg. He taught fifth grade in Hastings during his second year of teaching.

Mr. Duffy said his favorite part of teaching is seeing the "lightbulb" moment of the students. "The hardest part of teaching is not being able to help every student," Mr. Duffy said. He is responsible for teaching K-5 physical education, assisting the junior high football coach, coaching high school basketball and being the assistant coach for junior high track.

In his personal life, COVID made it so Mr. Duffy had less time visiting family and friends. COVID placed an added stressor on teaching.

Mr. Duffy chose to live in Jewell County because of the freshman to senior foundation. He wants to be a part of laying that foundation for other youth. His favorite parts of living in Jewell County are the small town vibes and how everyone looks out for everyone else.

Mrs. Duffy chose to live in Jewell County because it is kind of Mr. Duffy's home and it feels like she matters. She enjoys the small town atmosphere.

Mrs. Duffy aspires to further her education and to obtain a master's degree. She is inspired by the fact students want to be in her class every day. She provided the following advice for those who want to be a teacher, "Get into a classroom before getting into education." Mrs. Duffy was inspired to teach because both of her parents were teachers. She chose fifth grade because the students get sarcasm. One of her favorite quotes is by an anonymous person. It is "Give them something to imitate."

Mr. Duffy's aspiration is to become the athletic director. He is inspired by his parents who worked and provided for him; his wife, who is patient, kind and an excellent teacher; and the students he teaches because of their resiliance and generosity. "Find the good in every day," Mr. Duffy shared when asked what advice he had for people who wanted to work in his field. Mr. Duffy was inspired to choose P.E. as his profession because of two teachers, Sam Myers and Jody Hadacheck. He was also inspired by his enjoyment of P.E. "I'm very thankful," Mr. Duffy said.