Tara Petersen balances multiple roles as an assistant principal, classroom teacher, and VEX IQ Robotics coach in Nebraska. She leads both elementary and middle school teams and actively supports the broader robotics community through mentorship and volunteerism. Alongside her husband, she has donated hundreds of hours to help events succeed. Her efforts have fostered program growth across the state while enriching the student experience at her school.
Petersen plays a central role in the development and support of VEX IQ robotics across the state. In addition to coordinating the elementary and middle school robotics programs at her own school, she serves as a key mentor and resource for educators and coaches throughout Nebraska who are establishing and growing their own robotics programs. Under Petersen’s leadership, her school has qualified teams for the VEX World Championship for several consecutive years. However, she consistently prioritizes the growth and success of all robotics programs in the state, offering guidance and support to ensure broader student access to robotics opportunities.
Alongside her husband, Brandon Petersen, she dedicates significant time to organizing and running events, including the Nebraska State Championship, entirely on a volunteer basis. Together, they have contributed hundreds of hours to supporting robotics education and building a strong, collaborative community. The Petersens’ dedication has helped expand student access to STEM learning and fostered interest in engineering and related fields.
