Nebraska Welcomes U.S. Education Secretary to Highlight Literacy, Workforce Needs

Secretary McMahon tours schools, praises state's commitment to reading and career training

Apr. 10, 2026 at 12:21am

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A bold, colorful silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeating pattern of stacked children's books in bright neon shades of pink, blue, and green, conveying the importance of literacy education in Nebraska.Nebraska's commitment to improving literacy rates is on full display as the state welcomes the U.S. Secretary of Education.Waverly Today

U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon visited Nebraska this week, touring Hamlow Elementary School in Waverly and meeting with state officials to discuss the state's efforts to improve K-12 literacy and workforce development. Despite the Legislature's failure to advance a bill on reading interventions, state leaders remain committed to the goal of having 75% of third-graders proficient in reading by 2030.

Why it matters

Literacy and workforce readiness are key priorities for Nebraska, as the state seeks to ensure students have the skills they need to succeed in school and careers. McMahon's visit highlights Nebraska's progress in these areas and the state's ongoing commitment to supporting educational excellence.

The details

During her visit, McMahon toured Hamlow Elementary, where she observed second-grade students learning about the branches of government. She praised the school's implementation of the 'science of reading' and explicit reading instruction. McMahon also met with Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen, First Lady Suzanne Pillen, State Board of Education President Elizabeth Tegtmeier, and Nebraska Education Commissioner Brian Maher to discuss the state's literacy initiatives and workforce development efforts.

  • On April 9, 2026, the Nebraska Legislature failed to advance a bill that would have required local school policies addressing literacy and dyslexia.
  • On April 10, 2026, Secretary McMahon visited Nebraska as part of her 'Returning Education to the States Tour'.

The players

Linda McMahon

The U.S. Secretary of Education, visiting Nebraska as part of her nationwide tour.

Jim Pillen

The Governor of Nebraska, who hosted Secretary McMahon and discussed the state's education priorities.

Suzanne Pillen

The First Lady of Nebraska, who previously taught at Hamlow Elementary and joined the visit to the school.

Elizabeth Tegtmeier

The President of the Nebraska State Board of Education, who celebrated the exemplary literacy instruction observed at Waverly Public Schools.

Brian Maher

The Nebraska Education Commissioner, who said the state's focus on literacy will continue regardless of legislative outcomes.

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What they’re saying

“I'm just really impressed looking at how the science of reading and different aspects of it has been implemented here in the school and how these kids are really remarkable.”

— Linda McMahon, U.S. Secretary of Education

“We've all got to be on the same page. We've got to commit to make sure every kid can read. This nonsense that we're going to pass them on to fourth grade and pretend they can read, pun intended, it's hogwash.”

— Jim Pillen, Governor of Nebraska

“What they're doing here in Waverly is exemplary. This is what we'd like to see, all of our schools implementing what we saw in the classrooms today with that explicit reading instruction.”

— Elizabeth Tegtmeier, President, Nebraska State Board of Education

What’s next

Governor Pillen indicated that he may seek to retry a version of the literacy legislation in 2027 if he is reelected, stating: 'If you don't first succeed, we try again, and we will not give up.'

The takeaway

Despite the setback in the Legislature, Nebraska remains steadfast in its commitment to improving literacy and workforce development. The state's partnership with the U.S. Department of Education and its focus on evidence-based reading instruction demonstrate its dedication to ensuring all students have the skills they need to succeed.