Nelson serves as CSL’s chief innovation officer and director of the Center’s three-year Initiative for School Transformation, a multi-district consortium across three states that is designed to foster student achievement by increasing teacher and leader effectiveness in high-poverty, low-performing schools. The Initiative is a partnership with KIPP Delta Public Schools and Friendship Aspire Schools in Arkansas; KIPP Oklahoma Public Schools; and KIPP Tennessee Public Schools.

Prior to joining CSL, Nelson served the K-20+ spectrum as a multi-award-winning elementary school teacher, building-level administrator, supervisor for elementary instruction, district improvement team member, teacher’s union president, lead contract and dispute negotiator, executive director of instruction, superintendent, community college instructor, and graduate school lecturer. Among his many accomplishments, Nelson led the turnaround in a Michigan school in that went from ‘failing’ to ‘passing’—garnering a $750,000 grant from the state Department of Education.

Nelson fulfills his purpose and passion by helping others discover, develop and display their abilities. His transformative leadership trek includes work with various communities, school boards, staff members, students, and other stakeholders