About Mr. Nelson

I have been teaching at South Whidbey High School since the Fall of 2000.  To date, my teaching experiences at SWHS include Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Algebra 1A/1B, Geometry, Modeling Our World with Mathematics, SWA Math, Algebra 2, Bridge to College Mathematics, Pre-Calculus, and AP Statistics.  I have a passion for technology and statistics.  In 2003, I saw a need for a challenging math course for college bound students not interested in pursuing engineering or hard sciences and thus founded AP Statistics.  I've been an AP Reader for three years (2020, 2022, 2023).  I have been the Mathematics department chair since 2003.  Other roles that I have taken on at SWHS throughout the years include:  Head JV baseball coach for the Falcons (2001-2004),  girls' basketball C-team coach (2000-2001), National Honor Society adviser (2012-2018), varsity football scoreboard operator on Friday nights (2004-present) and 7th grade girls volleyball coach (2018-2019).

Before coming to South Whidbey, I taught 8th grade math and was a tech TOSA at Kellogg Middle School in Shoreline, WA (1999-2000).  Prior to that, I spent a short stay in Stillwater, OK where I supervised secondary mathematics student teachers at Oklahoma State University (Spring 1999).  I started my teaching career at Seeger Jr/Sr High School in Williamsport, IN, where I taught 7th grade math, Algebra, Geometry, and Computer Programming, as well as coached JV baseball (1994-1998).

I received my post secondary education from three different institutions: Columbia Basin Community College (AA degree - 1990), University of Puget Sound (BA in Mathematics - 1992), and Purdue University (MS in Education - 1996).  My diverse educational experiences have allowed me to share with students what it's like to go to a community college or a small private liberal arts school or a big state university and graduate school.

Personally, I enjoy fishing, hiking/walking various destinations on Whidbey, attending a few Mariner's games each summer, watching Purdue football and basketball, traveling, spending time in Ketchum, ID, working outside (especially when I get to use my tractor), taking my Mustang (1965) to car shows, and spending time with my family and friends.  I've been married to my high school sweetheart for 32 years.  We have three children - Jacob (26), Ainsley (23), and Mikaela (18).  We currently have two dogs: Titus (4 year old Chocolate Lab) and Ebbie (Mikaela's 8 year old Standard Poodle).  Whidbey Island is a beautiful place to live and work and we are truly blessed to be here.