Addison Trail teacher wins Those Who Excel award from Illinois State Board of Education

Addison Trail science teacher Steve Nelson has received an Award of Recognition from the 2014-15 Those Who Excel education awards program, hosted by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).

The Those Who Excel program annually recognizes and honors people who have made outstanding contributions to public and nonpublic elementary and secondary education. A selection committee comprised of representatives of statewide education organizations evaluates and judges the nominations. Three levels of awards are given (Award of Excellence, Award of Merit and Award of Recognition), and Nelson received an Award of Recognition in the classroom teacher category.

“When you step into Nelson’s classroom, you know you are in a special environment,” said Addison Trail Assistant Principal Mike Bolden. “His outwardly jovial attitude and excitement – for not only the students, but also for the lesson he is teaching – are second to none.”

Nelson has taught at Addison Trail since 1996 and also is a sponsor of the school’s Science Olympiad Team. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Wright State University and his Master of Science degree in teaching of chemistry from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Mary Adams, a parent of two Addison Trail graduates, said Nelson’s desire to help students succeed is what makes him stand out.

“I cannot speak highly enough of Mr. Nelson,” Adams said. “He is one of the most energetic, enthusiastic and engaging teachers I have had the pleasure of knowing. I have had numerous conversations with Mr. Nelson … during the years and found him to have an outstanding approach to encouraging his students to learn. He truly cares about each and every one of his students. He challenges them to go above and beyond their own expectations, therefore creating an atmosphere filled with an eagerness to learn. Because of this exceptional teacher, my daughters have always enjoyed chemistry class, and to this day continue to passionately study chemistry in college.”

Nelson said his love of teaching is inherent, and he couldn’t think of a place where he would rather be than in a classroom with students.

“I enjoy it,” Nelson said of teaching. “I do five shows a day for an audience that would most likely be somewhere else, and after 18 years, I still find myself looking forward to each day. I love working with my students and live for the ‘aha!’ moments that come when a student grasps a topic. Staying in touch with my students after graduation via e-mail and Facebook and seeing them develop and blossom during college and beyond have been an absolute pleasure.”

Nelson will be honored during the Those Who Excel banquet on Oct. 25 in Normal. For more information about the Those Who Excel program, go to http://www.isbe.net/those_who_excel.htm. 

“Nelson truly represents the commitment our staff members give inside the classroom and beyond each and every day,” said Addison Trail Principal Adam Cibulka. “He epitomizes Blazer Pride, and we’re thrilled he has received this recognition for his work with students.”