Brent Neilson
High School:
Flowing Wells
Subject(s):
Culinary Arts
Brent Neilson has been a teacher at Flowing Wells High School since 1999 and says his daily contact with students is the most rewarding part of teaching. He enjoys when students stop by his room, sometimes years after graduation, to check in and share how he touched their lives.
Brent earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Northern Arizona University, Secondary Teaching Certification from the University of Phoenix, and Career and Technical Education certification from the University of Arizona.
During eight years at Flowing Wells High School, Brent has relished every opportunity to take on a variety of leadership roles. While serving in the district’s mentor program, he observed lessons and provided feedback with first year high school teachers. As well as, assist them with setting up their grade books, course expectancy sheets, and other details that can cause so much anxiety. He serves as the newspaper advisor and has created a new section titled Voz Latino so all students will feel a part of the school’s publication. At Sentinel Peak, the district’s alternative high school, Brent created an electives program offering physical education, culinary arts and publications. At the district level, he has established and provided professional development for colleagues in Six Traits of Writing, Content Reading Strategies, Essential Elements of Instruction, and Classroom Management. He was honored when state leaders in CTE (Career and Technical Education) requested his assistance in providing these trainings for other district CTE teachers.
A former student wrote, “Mr. Neilson is one of the rare teachers who can combine learning and fun effectively. He is a man of intelligence, caring, integrity, and dedication.” His principal described Brent as one of the most hard working, intellectually gifted, and thoughtful people he has the pleasure of knowing.”
