When Debra Lang first heard she was being inducted into the New Prague Area Schools Hall of Fame, her immediate reaction was disbelief. “What do I do differently than all the other wonderful teachers I’ve had the opportunity to work with?” she wondered. But to the countless students, families, and colleagues who’ve crossed her path, her impact has been anything but ordinary.
For nearly five decades, Lang has been a cornerstone of NPAS, dedicating most of her career to teaching kindergarten. Now 71, she reflects on her years of service with humility and gratitude. “I’ve worked for a long time in the district because I love working with kids,” she said. “Being recognized for having an impact on so many little children — it’s truly an honor.”
A Teacher, Mentor, and Friend
Beyond the classroom, Lang found joy in mentoring young teachers and sharing her philosophy that education begins with relationships. “When kids know you care about them, they’ll do just about anything you ask — and love doing it,” she explained. She credits collaboration with her colleagues and the unique “family feel” among elementary teachers as a vital part of her career.
Lang has also been an advocate for building connections with parents. “Not all people have had positive educational experiences,” she shared. “It’s important to make parents feel welcomed in our schools. They’re trusting us with the most precious gift they have — their child.”
Community Roots, Lasting Impact
Teaching in the same community where she raised her children added another layer of meaning to her career. “Being at the elementary school when my kids were there was an added bonus for our family,” she said. “Knowing the people and the good community we were part of was comforting as a teacher and as a mom.”
Her influence has extended across generations. Lang fondly recalls running into former students who return to the district with children of their own. “It’s so fun to see them all grown up, successful, and then to teach their children too,” she said. “That’s when you realize how meaningful this work really is.”
Humble but Proud
Even as she joins the distinguished company of other Hall of Fame inductees, Lang remains modest. “It feels a little weird,” she admitted with a laugh. “I don’t think I do anything different than others. But I’m humbled to be recognized alongside so many who have contributed so much to our schools and community.”
For Debra Lang, the Hall of Fame honor is less about spotlighting her achievements and more about celebrating the relationships that have defined her life’s work. As she put it simply: “It’s not easy work, but it matters. It really does.”