Our "Employee Spotlight" series aims to showcase the unique personalities, talents, and stories that contribute to the success of Lansing USD469. This section celebrates the incredible individuals who make our Lansing USD469 community thrive.
Dede Walstrum, SLC 1 & 2 Long Term Sub
Question: How long have you worked in Lansing USD 469?
Answer: I've worked in Lansing for 11 years!
Question: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and the role you have within the school district?
Answer: I’ve been lucky enough to call Lansing School District home for the past 11 years, and in that time, I’ve had the opportunity to work in just about every setting—from Early Childhood all the way up through elementary, middle school, and high school, along with New Beginnings and the LINCS program. Each experience has taught me something new and helped shape who I am as an educator. I actually started my journey as a paraprofessional, and over the years, I’ve grown so much through the students, staff, and experiences I’ve been a part of. That growth led me to continue my education, and I’m currently working toward my second Master’s degree in Special Education with the goal of becoming a special education teacher right here in the district. I’ve worn a lot of different hats along the way, and I truly believe each role has helped me build a deeper understanding of our students and what they need to be successful. I’m so grateful for everything I’ve learned, and I’m excited to keep growing and giving back to a district that has given me so much.
Question: What do you enjoy most about your role and the work you do in the school district?
Answer: What I love most about my role is getting to see the full journey of our students. I’ve had the privilege of working with some of them when they were in 3rd and 4th grade, and now I get to watch them thrive in the LINCS program. There’s something really special about seeing that kind of growth over time.
Being part of that journey has shown me just how much our programs, our commitment to students and families, and our shared love for education truly matter. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how those pieces come together to support students as they grow into confident, capable, and truly amazing young adults. It’s a reminder of why this work is so meaningful to me.
Question: When you're not working, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy?
Answer: When I’m not at work, you can usually find me with a camera in my hand or hanging out with my family. I love photography; it’s my excuse to chase good lighting, capture random little moments, and pretend I’m way more artistic than I probably am. I love having a creative outlet. I also love spending time with my family, going to the gym, on hikes with my bestie, or running on the track. And going out to eat is pretty much my favorite thing – La Mesa or BWW is where you’ll find me on a cheat day.
Question: What is something unusual about you that most people don't know?
Answer: Something cool and unusual about me is that I grew up in an Air Force family, which gave me the amazing opportunity to live overseas. I spent a few of my childhood years (ages 8–10) in the Azores, and it ended up shaping me in such a big way. I got to experience a completely different culture, try new things, and see the world from a totally different perspective, which was pretty incredible as a kid. While I was there, we learned Portuguese, and that experience sparked my interest in languages. When I moved back to the States, I was motivated to start learning Spanish. Looking back, it’s one of those experiences that was not only fun and unique, but also helped shape who I am today.
Question: Could you share a particularly heartwarming or memorable experience you've had while working with students or colleagues?
Answer: One of the best parts about working in the intermediate school is that we house the LINCS program here. What makes it even more special is that many of the students I first worked with 11 years ago are now part of that program. Getting to see them grow, gain independence, and take on new opportunities, whether it’s participating in craft sales, heading off to college, going to work, or taking on jobs within the school, is just incredible to witness. Some of my favorite moments are the everyday ones: hearing “Hi Miss Dede!” in the hallway, getting a big smile, a wave, or even a hug. It’s those little connections that mean the most. Watching these students grow into such amazing young adults is a constant reminder of why I love what I do.
Question: What piece of advice would you like to offer to students to help them succeed and make the most of their educational journey?
Answer: I would say, trust that you are capable, even if it takes time. When you recognize how far you’ve come, it builds the confidence to keep going. Keep showing up, keep trying, and don’t forget to give yourself credit for the hard work you do.