Degrees Earned
- Ed. D., Education Leadership, Concordia University Irvine
- M.A.Ed., Cross-Cultural Teaching, National University
- B.A., Political Science, University of Pacific
- California Administrative Services Credential
- California Single-Subject Teaching Credential
Biography
Dr. Nelson has over 25-years of experience with K-12 public school education. He started as a substitute teacher and then became a seventh-grade history teacher while earning his Master’s degree in cross-cultural teaching from National University. After spending three years as a high school assistant principal, Dr. Nelson went on to become a comprehensive high school principal for ten years and earned his Doctorate from Concordia University Irvine Graduate School of Education. Dr. Nelson also has served in various District level positions, including Director of Secondary Education and Senior Director of School Leadership.
Dr. Nelson’s work with college and career preparation has helped minority and lower social-economic students to qualify, attend, and graduate from four-year colleges and universities and become prepared for the workforce. Dr. Nelson also is a Fellow with the California Education Policy Fellowship Program and participated in various WASC accreditation teams.
Areas of Expertise
- College and Career preparation
- Education Leadership
- K-12 public education
- Equity
- Education Reform
- Professional Learning Communities
- Career Technical Education pathways
- Dual Enrollment and Early College pathways