Ms. Nelson has served as a classroom teacher and administrator for 18 years in Minnesota schools.  Ms. Nelson began her career in the St. Louis Park and Hopkins public school districts and then transitioned to serving students as a social studies teacher and administrator in charter schools in Minneapolis and St. Paul.  Ms. Nelson earned her bachelor’s degree in social studies education from St. Olaf College and holds a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Concordia University, St. Paul.  She is licensed in social studies education (grades 5-12) and hold’s a K-12 principal’s license from Concordia University St. Paul.   Ms. Nelson has served as a cadre member for Innovative Quality Schools, an independent educational consultant, and a professor in the department of education at Minnesota State University Mankato.  She also served on the Board of Directors for Nasha Shkola, a K-8 Charter School in Brooklyn Park.