Just what the doctor ordered: SES teacher retires after 32 years, pursues career in pharmacy

After more than 30 years of teaching, Lori Nelson plans on returning to her first field of interest, pharmacy.

“I come from a family of pharmacist,” Nelson said. “I am probably going to pick up my pharmacy tech and go from there.”

Nelson started teaching at Saratoga Elementary School Jan. 26, 1981 as a half-year educator. She was later given full-time status.

During her time at SES, Nelson taught 10 years of first grade, 10 years of fourth grade, one year of kindergarten and finished off her career teaching fifth grade.

Nelson said she loved teaching all the grade levels.

“They were a kick the whole time,” she said.

But Nelson seemed to show a particular excitement towards teaching younger students.

“The younger kids get so excited,” she said. “You can teach them anything because they are so excited to learn. They are like little sponges.”

Some of Nelson’s more memorable moments in the classroom circulate around having fun and laughing, she said.

“It’s that contagious laugh the kids have that makes it fun,” Nelson said.

Nelson also said she loved to see children learn things for the first time through discovering.

“I like that connection with the kids of ‘What are you teaching me?’” she said.

Chelsie Gaspari, who had Nelson as a teacher in the fourth grade, said Nelson was one of her favorite teachers.

“(When I was in fourth grade) I was excited to meet her because I knew she was a good teacher,” Gaspari said. “I liked the fact that she was very fair. She didn’t play favorites.”

Nelson said she loved teaching, but she didn’t start off with an interest in education. Nelson first perused a degree in pharmacy when she attended the University of Wyoming.

Nelson realized she loved the learning side of her classes, she switched to an education degree later in her college career.

Deb Kinniburgh, who worked with Nelson at SES, said Nelson used humor and fun as a catalyst for knowledge.

“She was passionate as a teacher, and fun,” Kinniburgh said. “She uses humor to make children feel comfortable immediately, but she also has high expectations for her students.”

Kinniburgh also said Nelson was always humble, as a person and a teacher.

Nelson said her efforts as a teacher have always been for the students.

“I like to stay in the background,” Nelson said. “I would rather have the kids out there so they can shine. They are the stars of education. My role is just to give them the love of learning.”