Thank you for taking the time to read this.

My name is Arthur Nelson. I am 30 years old and currently in my sixth year teaching 8th grade English and History at Parkview Middle School in Armona, California. In my time at Parkview Middle School, I also have taught English Language Development, Journalism (Morning Video Announcements and School Newspaper), and Intervention for Reading and Math. I have also coached track since starting teaching at Parkview (except last year, sadly), and I began coaching basketball last school year. I have also filled in coaching football and wrestling in past years.

Allyse, my wife of six years, teaches 4th grade at Armona Elementary School and is in her fourth year. Working and developing as an educator and seeing Allyse's impact on her students has been one of the great joys of my life.

My experience and knowledge of the current situation in our children's education is what drives me to represent our area for Lemoore Union Elementary School Board.

I believe that active student engagement is important to keeping students engaged in school by being involved in the creation of their own learning and educational goals.

I believe that ALL students deserve accessible education, especially students who recieve special education services or English language learners. Sspecialized and targeted intervention needs to be given to students who need Tier 2 and 3 instruction to best address their needs immediately, so they can work as close to their own goals or grade level as possible.

I believe that student and staff safety is incredibly important as well. It is important for our students to get back into the classroom safely so they can stay there, especially if that is the method of instruction that best suits them. Distance learning has shown us the importance of a strong connection between the family and the teacher, and I believe this should be a focus continuiing forward in order to keep everybody working for the best interest of the children.

Thank you for your interest, and I hope I can count on your vote!

The Central Valley is where I grew up and raised my family. When I was in high school I was made to feel that I wasn't good enough for college. Luckily, a friend convinced me otherwise and I graduated with honors from Stanislaus State. A Spanish television station in Modesto allowed me to work and pay for school at the same time. For nearly two years, I lived in four countries of Central America hoping to improve the lives of those with whom I came in contact. This afforded me the opportunity to learn Spanish. I became a school teacher for two reasons: I liked learning about everything and I liked children. My first job was teaching Kindergarten in Dinuba for six years, then on to Huron and then Coalinga for a total of 37 years in grades TK to 4th. Some of my former students have become teachers themselves. In fact, I had the opportunity to collaborate with one of them after she graduated with a teaching credential. She says that I was the one who taught her English. I have worked with students from diverse socio-economic levels, religions, and cultures which in the end has enriched my life.

Sometimes I wish politicians would leave education to educators. However, our students, faculty, and institutions need some protection with good laws written along with appropriate funding. With school boards, we advocate for those things from our legislators.