Ladd N. Wendelin
Nebraska & Kansas State Certified Teacher
Language Arts Endorsement (6-12)
E-Portfolio
Updated 3/2014
[PDF]
About Me

My name is Ladd Wendelin. I'm 31 years old, and originally from Oberlin, KS, your run-of-the-mill rural farm town in the midst of the Great Plains of northwest Kansas. I count myself fortunate enough to have been under the tutelage of some great teachers in elementary school and high school who not only inspired me to become a teacher (Mrs. Jodi Votapka, Miss Linda Thornberry), but also encouraged me to pursue English and Drama (Mrs. Brenda Breth, Miss Leah Davis) as an endorsement area.
I graduated in 2004 from Concordia University in Seward, NE with a B.A. in Interpersonal Communications. Following graduation, I moved to Lincoln, where I worked at Time Warner Cable in Customer Service. After four long years at the cable company, I re-dedicated myself to education, which I saw as a better use of my talent and abilities. In January 2012, I received my Nebraska Teacher's Certificate and began subbing throughout the Lincoln Public Schools school district.
I enjoy theatre, writing, books, film, puppetry and illustration when the
inspiration strikes. However, my first love is theatre and I greatly enjoy exploring every aspect of the craft. I've been involved in the Lincoln theatre scene since 2004 as an actor, director, stage manager and even theatre critic for the Lincoln Journal Star and Star City Blog. I've performed in over two dozen productions in venues such as the TADA Theatre, Pinewood Bowl and the Lincoln Community Playhouse. I also enjoy staging plays with my good friends and on my own in my spare time. My latest production is a one-act puppet show adaption of "King Kong", which has been very well received by audiences.
Back in Kansas, my mom, Joanne, has been a social worker at the local hospital for over 30 years. She also plays trumpet in a brass quintet. My sister Greta, a 2007 Concordia graduate, has a doctorate in Rhetoric from the University of Kansas and lives with her husband, Igor, in Overland Park, KS. Greta currently teaches Oral Comm. as well as serving as Tech Director for Undergrad Admissions at KUMy youngest sister, Rory, is the latest Wendelin to graduate from Concordia. She lives at home with my mom and our beloved Siamese cat, Ting Tong Macadangdang (below). Rory has plans to become a history and theatre teacher.
My dad, Norman, sadly passed away in 2012. He very much loved learning, and shared his passion for nature, fishing, hunting, and the history of the Old West with everyone. I'd like to think he's still around, if only in spirit, because he has inspired me to share my knowledge with others.
I'm very excited to share my passion for literature and the performing arts with students as I begin my teaching career. I look forward to inspring the next generation to follow their passions, collaborate in meaningful ways with others in the learning process, and become life-long learners themselves.




The family - One last time - (From left to right) Joanne (mom), Me, Greta (sister), Rory (sister) and seated, Norman (dad).

My first class as a student teacher, Dec. 2011- Oral Communications class at Lincoln Northeast High. These guys were great!

8th Grade. My Dad said I should slick my hair back so I looked like Robert DeNiro.

The family - One last time - (From left to right) Joanne (mom), Me, Greta (sister), Rory (sister) and seated, Norman (dad).