Chuck Nelson

Hello My Name Is...

Chuck Nelson

 

HELLO ALL!!!  My name is Chuck Nelson and I your new 3rd, 4th and 5th grades Special Education Teacher.  I pleased and honored to become a member of the Richfield staff.  I come to Richfield with a very diverse, yet complete, background.  I know that my students will ultimately strive to do their very best and make you as parents, the district and community very proud.

I come from a teaching/education based family.  My dad retired after 36 years as a teacher. My mom was a teachers aid.  My oldest sister is currently in her 32nd year as a teacher.  I thought I wanted to teach when I was in junior high and high school, but being a bit rebellious I did not start out my college career in education.  I did quickly switch when I realized that teaching is what I wanted to do.  I received my Bachelors degree in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.  I taught 6th grade for 3 years and left teaching to pursue an opportunity in the corporate world.  That took me to a few different large world wide companies.

I enjoyed my time as a teacher and then in the corporate world, but missed teaching too much and came back after several years.  As a parent of a developmentally disabled child and spending time as a substitute teacher in various special education settings, I KNEW that this was where I belonged.  I had the opportunity to go back to school and get certified as Cross Categorical Special Education Teacher 6yrs old to 21yrs old with an emphasis in EBD through Saint Mary's University-Minneapolis, MN.  This is where my heart is, which is evident by my dedication to my students and their families.

My philosophy is that ALL students can learn.  It is a matter of presenting the material in a way that they understand and will respond to.  I want to challenge my students, but not drive them too hard.  I want my students to become strong and be an advocate for themselves.  I believe that technology is important to their education and will incorporate as much as I can. I believe that I am a very calm, understanding and patient educator that the students will respond to and excel with.

Now a little about me personally.  I was born and raised in Manitowoc, WI and currently live in Kohler, WI.  I have been married to my wonderful wife since 2011.  I have a son, daughter and two stepdaughters.  During the summer, you can find me on Lake Michigan.  I am a licensed charter captain and spend nearly 100 hours a week on the water after school is out in June until just before school starts for teachers at the end of August.  Thankfully, most in my immediate family love to spend time on the water with me.  Along with the 4 human children, we also are the proud "parents" of our BOYS...3 Miniature Dachshunds, Oscar- 3 yrs old, Zander- 2 yrs old and Rolo- 1 yr old.  Oscar and Zander are brothers and Rolo is their cousin.

Again, I look forward to working with you and your children here at Richfield Elementary School.