This is not

Nelson's first recognition for his superior performance. He was Arnall's

Teacher of the Year in 1997 and one of three finalists for Coweta's Teacher

of the Year award that year.

Nelson's tactics

include a combination of teacher-oriented and student-oriented experiences,

allowing students to develop as many problem-solving skills as possible.

"If you

leave them to their own devices, a lot of them will amaze you with just

how well they do," said Nelson.

Nelson is a

good example of how teachers must often change with the times in order

to teach students current skills. He began his career as an industrial

arts, or "shop," teacher.

The industrial

arts curriculum was phased out several years ago by the state and replaced

with technology education.