Special Area Teachers

The Park Village Foundation funds the salaries for our Special Area Teachers (aka "Specials")


SCIENCE PROGRAM
By Shannon Nellies, PV Science Coordinator

 I am a certified school teacher (MA in elementary education) and I learned to love science years ago when I had to teach 6th grade science without a textbook. I was a first year teacher and my whole goal was to help the kids love science. My theory is that if you really enjoy science then learning the concepts is easy.

After I became a mom, I took a break from teaching, deciding to stay home to be with my children while they were young. Recently, I returned to the classroom, or rather – the Science Lab – started by Traci Jackson many years ago. Thanks to Traci, and the Park Village Foundation, I have this perfect place to focus my love of teaching science while being at school with my kids.

Our labs and science nights are all hands on and fun so that the kids can truly experience science in action while learning key concepts. The energy of the science lab is exciting: it’s loud and crazy but everyone is on task and I love it!

I am so grateful that the Foundation (funded by Park Village parents!) supports our science program. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else!! 

 

MUSIC ENRICHMENT PROGRAM
By Jodi Neilson, Music Instructor

I am a retired educator with teaching and leadership experiences in New Zealand, Hawaii, and San Diego. I taught for 35 years teaching general music, band, orchestra, choir, and was a regular elementary classroom teacher. The majority of my career involved 22 years in the Del Mar Union School District. Additionally, my other experiences include working and teaching at elementary, middle, high, and university levels.

I make the well-being of students the fundamental value in all decision making by aspiring to provide the best possible educational learning experiences and opportunities. I support establishing high expectations and standards for student achievement and social development by maintaining a challenging and nurturing learning environment to help students attain their full potential.

I am proud to join the Park Village Elementary School team providing music instruction for all students.

 

 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION PROGRAM
By Tom Tucker, PE Teacher

I am a credentialed teacher with a Master’s Degree who first started teaching over 20 years ago. With a background in Biology and many years playing Ice Hockey, Soccer, and participating in endurance sports, I have a deep appreciation for how physical well being is crucial to emotional well being and academic performance. My teaching philosophy is that learning is most powerful when it happens as a team activity, where every student feels safe, contributes their strengths and feels valued. 

As a PE Teacher, it is important to me that every person feels successful after each session and that they will be eager to have their next physical education class. A main goal of PE is to actively engage students in sufficient amounts of moderate to vigorous physical activity to improve and/or maintain their physical health and well being. Instructional units are planned to develop motor, personal, and social skills necessary to achieve this goal.

Thanks to the Foundation and its donors for allowing me to be part of the Penguin community.