By Nebraska Schools Activities Association
LINCOLN – The Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA) has hired Taryn Retzlaff as an Assistant Director. A Rushville, Nebraska native, Taryn will begin her duties at the NSAA on August 1. Retzlaff will be the primary administrator in charge of play production, speech and journalism.
Retzlaff brings a wealth of fine arts education and activities experience to the NSAA. After earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Secondary Education from Doane College in 2005, she completed her Master of Arts degree in Curriculum and Instructions from Chadron State College in 2009.
Retzlaff’s professional background began as an English teacher, theatre director and speech coach at Bridgeport High School in 2005. After 5 successful years, she accepted a similar position at Auburn High School. In 2013, Retzlaff began her work for Norfolk High School as theatre director, English teacher and yearbook adviser, a role she continues to hold. Taryn served on the Nebraska Speech Communication and Theatre Association’s Board of Directors for a decade and has been a site manager for the NSAA Play Production Championships for the past nine years.
Retzlaff is excited for the opportunity to highlight NSAA fine arts programs. "I have worked alongside the NSAA throughout my career as a theatre director, yearbook adviser, and early years as a speech coach. As an educator, I have seen firsthand the importance of being a part of a team. High school is a time for self-discovery and the NSAA provides opportunities for students to do just that. Being involved with activities of any kind helps students learn the values of teamwork, discover their passions, and learn important life skills while developing a strong work ethic. I am thrilled to connect with students through a different lens and work to promote high school activities in Nebraska!"
“We are excited to add Taryn to the NSAA team,” says NSAA executive director Jay Bellar.
“She is well-respected and has a great rapport with the fine arts community across our state. Taryn has tremendous knowledge of theatre, speech and journalism and those talents will support the mission of the NSAA and our fine arts programs.”
The NSAA Board of Directors will take formal action to approve Retzlaff’s appointment as assistant director at its March 9 meeting.