Jessica Nelson, Ed.D., BCBA, LBA

Jessica Nelson is the Director of Special Education for USD 383 in Manhattan, KS. Previously, Dr. Nelson was the Executive Director of Special Education for Geary County Schools, an assistant professor at Missouri State University, a behavioral consultant, and a resource room teacher. Dr. Nelson has won teacher of the year for elementary teachers in her previous district for her work with students with special needs as well as the undergraduate teacher of the year at Kansas State University. With over 20 years of experience in the field, Jessica has worked with hundreds of students with behavioral challenges and grades ranging from kindergarten through high school.

Jessica has published numerous peer-reviewed research articles and presented her research at various conferences nationwide. Her research interests include creating antecedent interventions, use of teacher praise, mentoring and training of pre-service and beginning career teachers, as well as training paraeducators.