With more than four decades of experience in the education field, Joan C. Nielsen, BA, MSe, EdS, enhanced her varied expertise in her work with Morningside University. In 2021, Nielsen was named a professor emerita after retiring from teaching classes in the Teacher Education and Teacher Preparation Program, as well as training and mentoring student teachers. She also established an English as a Second Language (ESL) program and worked as an interim department chair. Before obtaining emerita status, she was an assistant and associate professor at Morningside University from 2001 to 2021. She also served as a grant manager at the university from 2007 to 2018.
An Educational Journey
As a student, Nielsen was not always fond of school. However, one teacher changed her perspective. Her teacher, Mrs. Duff, transformed school into an adventure, making learning fun and inspiring her to become a teacher.
Nielsen’s educational journey continued through her pursuits in higher education, which helped build the foundation for her professional success. In 1973, she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education from Upper Iowa University and then continued her education with a Master of Science in Elementary Education from Drake University in 1992. Furthering her expertise in her field, she became an education specialist through Drake University in 1996.
During the early stages of Nielsen’s career, she worked as a third-grade and kindergarten teacher for Battle Creek Public Schools, where she continued to gain valuable classroom experience until 1996. At the Battle Creek Ida Grove Community School District, she then expanded her expertise in educational administration, curriculum development, and grant writing.
Other Passions
Beyond her time in the classroom, Nielsen is committed to philanthropy, sponsoring scholarships for students, and donating to local charities and benefits. She also remains dedicated to staying current with changes in the education field, aligning herself with organizations such as Phi Delta Kappa and Kappa Delta Pi.
Nielsen is also involved with Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), the National Association for Multicultural Education, the National Association for Bilingual Education, the Iowa Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, and the National Association of Colleges for Teacher Education.
Achievements
Nielsen has been honored in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers for her professional achievements. She takes great pride in the impact she has had on the educational journeys of countless students, as well as in securing approximately $3 million in grants for diverse educational programs.
Crediting her success to the collaborative efforts of the people she has worked with, Nielsen believes that life connects individuals for a reason. She values her relationships with teachers, students, parents, and other educational professionals, seeing these connections as essential to growth and success.
Looking to the future, Nielsen intends to pursue continued education, serving as a valuable resource for teachers and students while helping to build confidence in educators.
