Kelly Nelson

I taught first grade for one year in 2009 and I have been teaching second grade since 2010. My heart belongs to Second Grade. Creating lesson plans, inspiring students, and getting to know my second graders makes me incredibly happy in my profession. I am so thankful that I've always been able to teach such a wonderful grade level! I have lots of experience with students that perform above grade level and also below grade level. I have a special education minor and have worked with students with learning disabilities, hearing impaired, speech impaired, emotional disabilities, autism, and ADHD. I have my Master's degree in Education and I am pursuing my Doctorate in Education with a focus on STEM. I enjoy furthering my education so that I can continue to have fresh ideas to bring into the classroom.

I would consider my teaching style to be very hands on and visual. I like my students to be able to see, touch, hear, and truly experience what they are learning. Many of the activities and products that I use in my classroom include these elements so that the students become highly engaged in their learning.

• PBIS Representative, 2018-2020 • Nominated as Keystone Technology Innovator, class of 2018 • Representative of GAPS for RTII Leadership Team, 2014-2018 • Representative of GAPS for Career Day 2015-2017 • Member of PTO at my elementary school, GAPS • Developed and delivered multiple in-service trainings on the integration of technology in the classroom • Designed and delegated the implementation of a teacher trade-book resource center • Original idea for positive behavior was published in the popular teaching magazine, The Mailbox • Team leader of second grade

In 2017 I completed my Masters of Education at Wilson College. I completed action research and wrote a thesis on art integration in the classroom, so be on the lookout for some new packets that contain art integration ideas for your classroom. In 2006-2010 I attended West Chester University in West Chester, Pa for my Bachelor of Science. I majored in elementary education and minored in special education. I took part in the Honors College at West Chester University, because of my high academic achievements. I was also part of a co-ed fraternity, Phi Sigma Pi, which is an Honors Fraternity that focuses on academic achievement and reaching out to the community through service.

In my spare time I play tennis, run, read, blog, and take care of my two boys, Andrew and Daniel. Family is extremely important to me and I love surrounding myself with people that I care the most about. In the future, I hope to write and illustrate my own children's books. Reading is my true love and I have always painted as a hobby. I have always thought with these two skills combined, that I could create a book series for children that would be appreciated by fellow educators. If you have any questions for me, please contact me at nelsonsnotions@gmail.com Thanks! Kelly Nelson