FROM CONSTRUCTION TO TEACHING, NELSON WEIGHS ALL OPTIONS

Brian Nelson was a junior at Armstrong-Ringsted High School when he first enrolled in the Construction Technology Career Academy at Iowa Lakes Community College in Emmetsburg. He continued until his graduation in 2001.

“I enrolled in the Construction Career Academy because it would give me a great chance to experience my hobbies at a more professional level and help me figure out if the construction industry was what I wanted to do with the rest of my life,” Nelson stated.

The Career Academy gave him a jump start into his future plans by allowing concurrent high school and college credit.

After completing the Construction Technology curriculum as an honor student in 2002, Nelson continued at Iowa Lakes Community College and earned his combined Associate in Applied Science in Construction Technology and Associate in Arts degrees in 2003. He is currently enrolled at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) with a major in Technology Education and a minor in Technology Management.

He was involved in a mentorship program with Dr. Johnson and Dr. Hotek where he was introduced to new methods of teaching Industrial Technology. Nelson is presently student teaching with Mr. Don Foth, Iowa Technology Education Teacher of the Year. He will student teach at both Peet Junior High in Cedar Rapids and Independence High School in Independence.

Nelson has a great interest in the teaching profession because he has always enjoyed working with children. While in high school he was a mentor to first graders in the Armstrong-Ringsted Elementary School and taught Sunday school to Kindergartners. He also worked at Logan Middle School in Waterloo while attending UNI.

Nelson believes that in order to succeed and be a great educator you need to love what you are doing.

“In my own experiences of instructing students, I have become more passionate and confident in my decision to enter the teaching profession,” he shared.

When asked about his career choice, Nelson said: “Throughout my life I have been lucky to have many great people stand behind me and support me in all of my decisions.” He specifically named his mother, girlfriend and instructors.

Initial career plans were to own his own construction company. However, with encouragement and realizing his desire to work with children, Nelson entered the teaching profession. He hopes to remain in Iowa and teach Industrial Technology.

Nelson was treasurer, vice president, and president of The Technology Education Collegiate Association while at UNI. In his spare time, he enjoys woodworking, computers, traveling, and family activities.

“My advice to any prospective high school student would be to take as many Career Academy classes as possible. This gives you a chance to find out what you are interested in and allows you to take classes you never thought you would – and, they are free,” Nelson said.

Additional information about Career Academy offerings and other programs at Iowa Lakes Community College may be obtained online at www.iowalakes.edu or by calling the nearest campus.