Paula Nelson

Seeing the Big Picture

After many years as a fourth-grade teacher at Breck, Paula Nelson, a self-proclaimed "history fanatic," is well aware that her students are experiencing traditions for the first time. "It’s many years for me, but it’s new to them," she laughs.

Well known among her colleagues for her willingness to attend her students’ soccer games, skating competitions and other events, Paula says that the students are, quite simply, her inspiration. "Their spirit keeps me perked up," she says. "I am so fortunate to have a job I like so much."

Says fourth-grade colleague Karen Pape, "She’s such a dedicated teacher. The kids are always in the forefront of her purpose and thoughts."

Her relationships with her fellow teachers is marked by a great deal of mutual respect. "Paula really enjoys the spirit of teamwork," says Lower School Director Peg Bailey. "She is thorough in her planning and able to see the whole picture while maintaining her attention to necessary details." Karen Pape says Paula’s been “incredibly helpful to me. It’s great to work together!"

Having taught elsewhere, Paula says, makes her appreciate her coworkers all the more. "I can’t imagine feeling as at home, respected, and accepted as I do at Breck," she remarks. “Of course, we don’t always agree!"

Paula came to Breck after six years teaching at an American school near London, and believes firmly that her “fantastic, broadening" time in England made her all the more appreciative of her family and home. A resident of Eden Prairie who grew up in Bloomington, Paula says it’s “strange but wonderful" to have been “halfway around the world and ended up 15 minutes from my parents!"

“I really feel I’ve gone back to my roots in many ways," Paula reflects. “In particular, there’s my faith, which deepens all the time. It helps give me perspective on what’s really important and keeps me from sweating the small stuff."

Paula is a graduate of Bloomington Jefferson High School, St. Cloud State and the University of Minnesota, and her family includes her parents, a twin sister, a brother who’s a radio personality in Indianapolis, three nephews, and her two cats, TC and Mo.

A Twins fan who wishes she were better at playing baseball herself, Paula enjoys time away from school with needlework and redecorating projects, and increasing interest in bird-watching and a deep and passionate love of music. “I know that I don’t come across as sentimental," she observes, “but music can really move me."

And each summer, Paula looks forward to time to work on her big stack of books. “I’m looking forward to sipping lemonade on my patio," she laughs, “and getting ready for another year."