RYAN NELSON
Staff Profile
Mr. Nelson is proud to be a member of West Salem High School. He began his journey at WSHS at the beginning of the 2013-2014 school year. Overall, the 2023-2024 school year marks his 14th as a teacher.
Education
- Master of Arts in Education - Viterbo University, 2017
- Thesis: “SCHOOL ISN'T ABOUT LEARNING; IT'S ABOUT GETTING GOOD GRADES.": THE EFFECTS OF INCENTIVES ON ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT, INTRINSIC MOTIVATION, AND BEHAVIOR
- Post-Baccalaureate English Teaching Licensure (6-12) - Viterbo University, 2013
- Bachelor of Science in Broad Field Social Studies Education (6-12); Spanish Minor - Viterbo University, 2010
- Senior Project: Norwegian Immigration to the Midwest, a Personal Historical Perspective
Honors
- Best of La Crosse County Teacher (K-12) 1st Place Award Recipient - 2022
- Best of La Crosse County Teacher (K-12) Runner-Up Award Recipient - 2021
- 7 Rivers Alliance and River Valley Media Group Rising Star Under 40 - 2019
- Herb Kohl Teacher Fellow / Wisconsin Teacher of the Year Finalist - 2018
- Ashley for the Arts Humanitarian Award Recipient - 2017
- WSHS Commencement Speaker - 2015
Daily Responsibilities (2023-2024)
- Panther Portfolio (formerly the Senior Exit Project/SEP)
- Technology Integration
- Schoology and Google Support
Mr. Nelson believes in building positive relationships with every student, parent/guardian, and staff member and in fostering transparent, honest communication between all parties. He believes that positive relationships and strong communication help every student and staff member achieve success in and out of the classroom. Mr. Nelson believes that teaching is a lifestyle, not a job, and he truly loves what he does.
Aside from teaching, Mr. Nelson enjoys camping, playing and watching sports, and landscaping. An animal lover, he has two dogs, Lucy and Lily, and one cat, Yogi.
Please feel free to contact Mr. Nelson or stop by his office at anytime. His door is always open.
