Family of Teachers: Hoobler Family

Every legacy has a beginning. For Hastings Education Association member Rebecca Hoobler, originally from Norfolk, that legacy spans 23 years of teaching by the end of this school year—despite the fact that, growing up, she insisted she would never follow in her parents’ footsteps. School was difficult for Rebecca due to hearing loss, and she never imagined choosing education as a career. With the support of a speech teacher and a reading specialist, she gained confidence, especially in math, where she enjoyed challenging herself. At that time, special education services were limited. As a teenager, she found purpose in babysitting—particularly caring for two children with Cystic Fibrosis—and volunteering with nonprofits, church groups and youth organizations. 

In 2000, Rebecca began her professional journey as an Autism/Behavior Disorders para-educator in Special Education at Belmont Elementary in Lincoln. She later earned a Master’s Degree in Special Education (Autism and Behavior Disorders) in 2010 and holds seven endorsements—five of them in Special Education. Over the years, she has taught in a variety of settings, with her favorite areas being Early Childhood Special Education (Birth–5 years), Life Skills and Alternative Education. She currently serves as a resource teacher at Hastings Senior High. 

This summer, Rebecca realized she is a fourth-generation teacher. Her mother, Marion, moved to Nebraska from New York, where she later met Rebecca’s father—a sixth-grade teacher at Westside Elementary in Norfolk. Marion taught briefly before Rebecca was born, then substituted while raising Rebecca and her brother, Jeff. She returned to full-time teaching once Jeff started kindergarten, ultimately teaching math at Norfolk Catholic (Sacred Heart), Norfolk Junior High and Norfolk Middle School before retiring in 2007 after 35 years. Rebecca’s father, Dennis, began teaching at just 18 years old in rural Loup County, where he grew up. He attended Kearney State (UNK) during the summers while teaching in a one-room schoolhouse—where he even taught his younger sister and several cousins. After earning his degree, he moved to Norfolk and spent 33 years teaching 5th and 6th grade at Westside Elementary. He retired in 2000 after an incredible 42-year career. 

The family’s teaching roots stretch back even further. Rebecca’s grandmother Maxine, great-grandmother Martha Alder, great-aunt Elva Ralls and cousin Conda Hoobler all taught in rural Nebraska schools. 

Rebecca’s cousin Troy’s wife, Jodi Hughes, dedicated 29 years to teaching in Grand Island Public Schools and in New Mexico. Altogether, her family has contributed more than 150 years of service to education. 

When people ask Rebecca why she became a teacher, she laughs and says, “I don’t know—it just came naturally.” Her brother Jeff still teases her about joining the family profession, but Rebecca simply smiles and replies, “Someone needed to carry on the tradition.” 

Rebecca’s journey reminds us that one family’s dedication to children and community can create a legacy that spans generations.

Rebecca’s story shows how one family’s dedication to children and community can span generations.

Does teaching run in your family? Share your story and be featured in Family of Teachers at www.nsea.org/Family.