Rising Grade 1: Welcome, Ms. Nelson!
We are so happy to introduce you to Alynn Nelson, next year’s Grade 1 teacher for the class of 2034. Ms. Nelson holds a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art and Art History from Mt. Holyoke College, Magna Cum Laude, and a Waldorf Grades Certificate from the Micha-el Institute here in Portland, Oregon.
Ms. Nelson has taught at PWS for 14 years. Most recently she promoted her class in 2021, after spending grades 3-8 as their class teacher. She enjoys bringing innovation to the curriculum based on Waldorf pedagogy, collegial collaboration, and the current and future needs of the students. Ms. Nelson has recently worked on innovations in the areas of sex education, technology (Cyber Civics and keyboarding), DEI and Social Justice.
We asked Ms. Nelson 5 questions, so you can get to know her a little more.
Q: What has the last 2 years made you think about Waldorf education, and the needs of today’s students?
Alynn Nelson: Waldorf education is a living movement that is meant to evolve to meet the needs of students in the current time. Over the last two years, I’ve seen Waldorf schools dramatically transform, creatively and collaboratively, to ensure that students continue to receive a rich educational experience, based on a deep understanding of human development. The continuity of having the same core group of loving and dedicated teachers, who constantly question and innovate, has been a steady rock in a stormy sea. These two aspects, innovation and strong relationships, along with the Waldorf curriculum, will always be a keystone to meeting the changing needs of students.
Q: What are your interests outside of teaching?
AN: My interests outside of teaching include spending time with my two daughters (grades 5 and 7), my husband, and our 1 ½ year old mini Aussie shepherd. I also enjoy architecture, baking, cooking, reading, knitting, biking, skiing, and keeping a gentle finger on the pulse of popular culture.
Q: What is something about yourself that our community might not know about you?
AN: I am an advocate for the preservation of The Three Dying Arts:
Shoelace tying
Counting coins and change
Politely answering the phone
Food for thought: The majority of parents in the last class I taught (currently 9th graders) reinstalled landline phones into their homes for the middle school years. If you ever get a chance, ask them about it!
Q: You lived away from Portland for a short time. What do you like most about being back in Oregon?
AN: My family and I spent a year in Nelson, British Columbia. Highlights included skiing over 50 days during the winter and seeing black bears roam through our yard on a regular basis. However, Portland is home. I have been a part of the local Waldorf community going on 17 years, and it is this community that has been so wonderful to come back to. I appreciate Oregon’s cultural accessibility and geographic grandeur. I love the parks and trails, delicious food, art and music-- and Portland has one of the most incredible library systems in the country!
Q: What do you look forward to working on with your new class in the fall?
AN: Each group of students is incredibly unique! I greatly look forward to the magical moment when the class is formed and we discover, together, who we are. Even though I’ve been teaching for over 20 years, there is always something new to learn. I love that! Also, while teaching grade 8 on Zoom last year, the thing I missed the most, besides greeting the students with a handshake each day, was singing with them. I look forward to bringing stories, art, movement, and play to the rising first graders. But it is the social art of singing that has a special place in my heart.
We are so happy to welcome you back, Ms. Nelson!