WREX.com – Rockford’s News LeaderTeacher of the Week: Mrs. Nelson

Teacher of the Week: Mrs. Nelson

By Laura Gibbs

BELVIDERE (WREX) - A classroom visit eliminated a mothers fears. The two formed a special bond that made the transition from parochial to public school easy.

13 News helped throw off Mrs. Jayne Nelson at Seth Whitman Elementary school in Belvidere. The administration had to tell a few lies to keep her in school instead of on her way to a seminar.

Mrs. Nelson states, "Nothing like this has ever happened before." The exact reaction parent Ann-Marie Miller hoped her letter to 13 News would bring. Last year this mom switched her daughter Victoria's learning environment. Mrs. Nelson states, "Everyday Mrs. Nelson greeted us with a smile and a happy to see you attitude. When I cried the first day she handed me a box of Kleenex."

Victoria says, "Going from my old school to this school it was fun because I felt like I was at my old school in a good way." Ann-Marie states, "She is the blessing that every new family needs to that school."

Mrs. Nelson tells 13 News, "You want to treat someone else's child the same way you hope your little guys being treated. I think that made me a stronger teacher for sure."

You can easily get comfortable in this classroom. It's the little touches like curtains, a ceiling of snow or this love seat. Mrs. Nelson states, "We spend a lot of time here. We're in here a lot. It's as much for me as it is the kids."

Aside from "educator" Mrs. Nelson believes she fills the gap often left when mom or dads away during the day. The compassion and care that goes on in her classroom's got the whole school taking notice. There was a special announcement made over the intercom about Mrs. Nelson winning "Teacher of the Week."

Mrs. Nelson likes teaching 2nd grade cause the kids still like learning.