Teacher relates to strugglers

Jalayne Nelson understands how it feels to struggle in school.

As a child, she needed special education services. 

“I felt like I wasn’t smart, but I didn’t know that when I tested for special education services, I also tested almost as gifted at the same time,” she said. 

Now, Nelson is starting her first year as a Title I teacher for kindergarten students at McKinley Elementary School and fifth-graders at Iola Middle School. Title I helps students who don’t meet special education criteria but still struggle with things like reading.

Previously, Nelson worked as a special education teacher and a teacher in general education classrooms up to third grade. This is her 14th year teaching.

“Special education teaching is my passion,” she said. “I like working with students in small groups.”

She likes to share with her students how she struggled in school. It helps her connect with them. She wants them to know that even though they need help in certain areas, they can still be successful.

“I tell them, ‘I’ve been in your shoes. I know how you feel and what you think,’” she said. “When I was first starting out as a teacher, I was so naïve. I thought all kids love coming to school and I had no idea they didn’t. Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to getting them on your side and helping them understand.”

For those who are less enthusiastic about school, Nelson makes it her goal to change their minds.

“I hope to see students improving and gaining confidence. I want to let them know we care so they will want to come see us,” she said. “Building relationships is really important to me.”

NELSON grew up in Le Roy. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Emporia State University and a master’s degree from MidAmerican Nazarene.

She married Rick Nelson, who grew up in Iola. They have two children, Alston, who is in fifth grade, and Finley, who is in first grade. They live on her husband’s family farm and own Heartland Meadows, a home care facility at 1727 Oregon Road.

She and her husband initially moved around quite a bit. They lived in Gridley, Texas and Parker before moving back to Iola four years ago.

The family enjoys traveling, especially going skiing. They are active members of the First Baptist Church.

NELSON worked as a special education preschool teacher at McKinley about three years ago. Most recently, she taught first grade at Humboldt.