ISD166 celebrates retirement of educator and friend Sue Nelson

Sue Nelson Photo submitted by ISD166

Celebrations are being planned for Sue Nelson; a Cook County educator who has completed a 31-year teaching career of exemplary measure. Mrs. Nelson will begin her retirement after the conclusion of the current 2021 school year. In her 31-year career, Mrs. Nelson taught 7-12th grade Language Arts with 27 of those 31 years spent at Cook County ISD 166, mostly in middle school, grades 6-8. Her final three years were dedicated to her role as a middle school special education teacher at ISD166. Sue called her love for literature and the energy/authenticity of middle schoolers her initial reasons for choosing her career in education.

Mrs. Nelson reflected upon her time and explained, “I will be forever grateful I landed at Cook County ISD166. My special needs son Kyle (who is 23 now) could NOT have had a more beautiful, happy, personal, experience here. His class of 2016, his special education teachers (especially Melissa Oberg), our staff and administrators and community all embraced Kyle and saw great potential in him. My heartfelt gratitude for our school’s investment in Kyle — and me! The technology and building have drastically changed in those 31 years, but one thing has not changed: my love for and commitment to my students and families. It is incredible how many lasting, fond memories I take with me–and are etched permanently in my heart.”

Special Education coworker, Melissa Oberg, offered insight into the career of her long-time friend, explaining, “Sue Nelson taught for 31 years at Cook County Schools. Sue is known by both her students and colleagues for her big and loving heart. Among staff, Sue is known as, “Auntie Sue,” for not only her plethora of advice but also her generous and loving spirit.” In addition, she explained that Sue’s time in Cook County reached beyond the classroom, “Sue not only coached girls’ fastpitch softball for two years, but she also started the softball program. Sue also started the girls’ basketball program and coached basketball for two years. She was the assistant volleyball coach for several years as well.”

Ms. Oberg warmly added, “After school hours you can find Sue’s classroom full of teachers looking for advice and support. Sue is going to leave a gaping hole in our school, but we know we will still be able to rely on her past advice to those of us lucky enough to sit beside her. Auntie Sue will be so very missed. Sue, thank you for guiding the next generation of students and teachers alike. Your impact on our school and community is immeasurable.”

In offering advice to those at the start of their teaching career, Sue lends the following, “Please be patient with yourself–give yourself some grace and reach out to those in your building who have been in the profession for a while. The first couple of years are incredible, yet tough! Please take your cues from the kids: listen to them– they want to know you hear each and every one of them. Find out what interests or extra-curriculars they have- -foster those and challenge them to discover more!”

Although it will be a bittersweet final few weeks and days for the ISD166 community, Sue looks ahead with an optimism and excitement. “My retirement plans are to defer to my son Kyle Nelson who will plan our itinerary and then follow his lead. I imagine I have a lot of trips to Nashville to plan (Grand Ole Opry) and musical theater, and concerts. Attending live music will be our main plans! Also: family is expecting lots of visits from us!! We plan to gas up the RV and just head out and let Kyle navigate!” Sue explained.

Mrs. Nelson also shared a few sentimental words to her fellow Vikings, stating, “My final day of June 9th will be bittersweet, but I know I will leave with a huge smile on my face and heart, and the satisfaction that I got to be part of the ISD 166 family of amazing students, staff, and community. I am proud of my connections here.”

Your school and community thank you, wholeheartedly, and wish you happiness and adventure in the next part of your journey. Sue’s retirement party is open to all who wish to join in honoring her. It will be held in the Sawtooth Elementary Garden on Monday, June 7 from 1 p.m.-3 p.m.