SIUE Alumna Nelson Brings Change to her East St. Louis Charter High School Classes
At first sight, the small, demure English teacher could pass for a student herself. However, Bridget Nelson has earned high marks as a teacher with her Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School (CHS) students, because of her commitment and care to them and their education.
“Ms. Nelson is a stellar example of an excellent teacher,” said Gina Jeffries, EdD, CHS director. “During Teacher Appreciation Week, it is befitting to recognize her. I am proud that Ms. Nelson was selected to present at the National Council of Teachers of English Conference during this school year and represented the SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School on a national level.”
National Teacher Appreciation Week 2019 is Monday-Friday, May 6-10.
“I began teaching on a whim, after a walk with my mother,” said Nelson, who earned a bachelor’s in psychology, a bachelor’s in English and a master’s in English from SIUE in 2005, 2011 and 2017, respectively.
“My mother said she always pictured me as a teacher,” continued Nelson, “and she pointed out that I liked English and working with young people.”
Prior to coming to CHS, Nelson was working as a mental health counselor with youth who had emotional and behavioral disabilities.
“I always wanted to work with adolescents, because of the people who helped me when I was in high school,” confided Nelson. “I didn’t think of teaching until my mother mentioned it. Then I wondered if I would be any good at it. Being in front of a classroom full of students was intimidating to me.”
“When working on my bachelor’s in English, several professors encouraged me regarding my teaching, and it gave me the confidence I needed,” she continued.
Nelson is mindful to provide confidence and support to her students.
“Our students face a lot and come to school with prior experiences that are not always positive,” she explained. “It’s important for me to not only be aware of that, but also find ways for them to excel at learning.”
Nelson also explains that the means to her teaching goals have morphed over the years.
“In the beginning, I was naïve about my role as a white female educator,” said Nelson. “I centered on academic success, without taking into account that it could look different.”
“Now, my focus is on making sure my students have their voices heard,” she continued. “I facilitate the environment that allows them to learn and use their voices, because their voices are usually the ones that are silenced. Students need to be the agents in their own education. If not, they are just regurgitating what someone wants to hear, and they’re not really learning.”
The ability to transform yourself makes for a good educator, according to Nelson.
“I’m constantly changing,” she said. “What works with one class or student, may not work with the other. And as the educator, you have to be willing to keep changing, growing and learning.”
While Nelson is always looking to change educationally for the better, her character remains constant and welcomingly supportive, which has earned her the respect of many students.
“I like Ms. Nelson, because she is a woman who says what she believes, and believes what she says,” said CHS senior Jamoznee Williams.
The SIUE Charter High School is a school-of-choice for families in the East St. Louis School District 189. The mission of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School is to prepare students who are career- and college-ready upon graduation. To achieve this mission, the school and its staff will positively impact the educational and economic lives of East St. Louis, Illinois youth through individualized instruction in core academic subjects, exploration of career interests and aptitudes, assistance in realizing students’ talents, high academic goals, and expectations that graduates will become competitive employees for the 21st century.
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Bridget Nelson, English instructor at SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School (CHS), is recognized at CHS during National Teacher Appreciation Week 2019 (May 6-10).