The City of St. Charles School District is excited to take part in the “STL Teacher Proud” campaign, an effort to highlight the amazing teachers who choose to serve the St. Louis community and inspire others to join the noble profession of teaching. On the second Tuesday of each month, we’ll highlight an SCSD teacher who chooses to make a difference every day.

Taylor Nelson is a 5th-grade teacher at Jefferson Intermediate School, specializing in the subjects of reading, writing and social studies. After a one-year stint teaching abroad in Nicaragua, she joined the Jefferson staff and has been teaching at the school for the past 5 school years.

“Growing up, I always wanted to be a teacher,” Nelson said. “I would take home workbooks over the summer and play school with my siblings. I had so many influential teachers in my life and when I saw the impact a teacher could make in a student’s life, I wanted to have the opportunity to do the same for someone else.”

Nelson relishes the opportunity teaching provides to see her students grow throughout the school year.

“Not just growing academically, but also watching them grow as a person,” Nelson said. “Seeing them grow in empathy, kindness and confidence. I love it when they begin to take pride in their own accomplishments. The smile on their face is one part of my job that I truly treasure.”

Nelson believes connecting with students, as well as other teachers, is key to ensuring success as a teacher.

“Building relationships with students is the most crucial part of teaching. It makes such a big difference,” Nelson said. “Develop strong teacher-friendships and look for joyful moments each day. It goes by quickly, so soak up the time and focus on the good!”

Though she takes her work seriously, Nelson’s advice to new teachers is to have fun and embrace the errors you’ll make while growing as an educator.

“Don’t take yourself too seriously, learn to laugh and teach students through the mistakes and silly moments that will come along the way,” Nelson said.

Thank you to Taylor Nelson and all of our SCSD teachers for making a difference in our community.

#TeacherProud #SCSDgreat