Chandler middle school teacher honored by Bruce and Gaydos with $2,500 award

PHOENIX — In August, KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Outspoken with Bruce and Gaydos’ Pay Tribute to a Teacher award went to Kelly Nelson, a special education teacher in Chandler.

Nelson has been in special education for 23 years and has worked various positions.

“My class is wonderful,” she told KTAR News. “I love my kids. I love my school. I have 10 students so I primarily serve students with autism and intellectual disabilities.”

She used to be a principal but returned to the classroom as a teacher about four years ago, heeding to her true calling.

Nelson teaches sixth, seventh and grades at Kyrene Aprende Middle School.

“We work on all the academic skills. We work on emotional regulation and daily living skills. It’s really individualized for each student and what they need,” Nelson said.

Working in special education gives her a chance to provide more one-on-one instruction compared to a regular classroom where curriculum goals are all designed for all students to reach the same ends.

“You want to make sure you’re giving each kid what they need and that looks different,” she said.

It can make the long-term rewards even greater, she added.

“My favorite is when I still get messages,” Nelson said. “I still get emails and text messages from a mom and the boy is now 37.”

What will Mrs. Nelson do with the money?

Nelson is planning to pay her tribute money forward, redistributing the cash right back to her students.

“My husband and I started dating about 20 years ago, and every single Christmas since we’ve dated, we do a Christmas giving where we pick a kiddo from my school that could use a little extra joy at Christmas,” she said. “So it’s gonna go into the Christmas fund.”

With $2,500, Nelson says she can spread some of her Christmas joy to more than just one student this year.

Want to nominate somebody for the Pay Tribute to a Teacher award? Submissions are accepted here.

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