Hi! I’m excited to be teaching 2^nd grade at Pleasant Hill! I have lived in Des Moines all my life-attended Moore, Meredith, and graduated from Hoover. I attended Iowa State University and Viterbo.

This will be my 32^nd year teaching-I have been with Des Moines Public schools all 32 years. I love working with 2^nd graders-I have been teaching 2^nd for many years.

I live in Des Moines-just me, my dog, Lily, and 2 cats-Minnie and Pommie (I’m an animal lover). I enjoy gardening-love the summer months- reading and cooking in my free time.

Hello, Panther Families and Community!

My name is Michelle Nelson. This is my 23^rd year teaching. I love teaching and my students! Welcome to our Classroom Family: We are teammates, friends, investigators, and creators. We respect and listen to each other. We set goals and constantly encourage each other to reach them. 2023|2024 is going to be an amazing year!

My wonderful husband Jim, silly Chocolate Lab mLee, and I live in Des Moines, Iowa. We are fortunate to be near our family! Jim, recently diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (aka. ALS/Lou Gehrig’s Disease), has become a full-time advocate for Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) nationally and locally. Family, reading, modern quilting, cooking, and supporting/volunteering for PVA and our unique school community keeps me busy outside of school. (I make a mean triple-chocolate cheesecake…)

Please contact me via michelle.nelson@dmschools.org, via Snap! Connect, or 515.242.8432.

“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” – Benjamin Franklin

Pleasant Hill Elementary is an exceptional school community! Join us in celebrating your student’s academic and social-emotional growth. Go Panthers!