Paul Timm

Meet the Maximizer
Paul Timm talks about the misunderstood risks of COVID-19, how vaccination benefits schools, and why a sense of community matters.  

Paul Timm is the 2021 Nebraska Teacher of the Year  

What is the number one reason why school children should get the COVID-19 vaccine?
There are lots of reasons, but let’s focus on this: we have all seen the consequences of kids not being in school. This vaccine is a safe and effective method, a tested method, that can help us keep our schools open, keep kids in the school seats, keep them healthy, keep them safe. 

How does vaccinating kids benefit the community?  
We’re able to do more of the community things that we know and love and that we got used to prior to COVID-19. 

Why is that important to Nebraskans?
One thing that we have in our corner as Nebraskans is that community is an important element to us all. I just think it’s part of our culture and by being able to have our kids vaccinated, not worrying about them catching it, and their safety, but also spreading it, we can get back to being together. 

Why do you think people are confused about COVID-19 vaccinations?
I think there’s a lot of stuff that we’re still learning about COVID-19. There’s also a lot of misinformation that can be confusing and can be scary. 

What do you wish more people understood about COVID-19?
A lot of people don’t realize that 17% of positive COVID cases in our country have been students, minors, under the age of 18. Students are still susceptible to not only catching COVID-19 and suffering its effects but also passing it and spreading it within their homes.