About Your Instructor – Petra Nelson

Uniquely Qualified Instructor

Petra Nelson is a highly experienced special education teacher, co-teacher, educational consultant, and international presenter. With decades of grades PreK-12 experience, Petra has worked extensively as a co-teacher and special educator. She has also trained and supported thousands of teachers and administrators on effective inclusive practices using co-teaching. Petra knows firsthand the unique challenges facing co-teachers in creating the most effective co-taught classrooms to better support students with special needs. She is passionate about providing real, doable approaches for helping students make maximum gains through co-teaching strategies and partnerships. Petra focuses on creative, practical solutions for helping ALL students gain not only access, but also ongoing success in inclusive classrooms. Petra is also the author of Strengthening Your Co-Teaching Program: Practical CO-TEACHING STRATEGIES to Increase All Students' Achievement, the extensive digital resource handbook you will receive at the institute.

What Your Colleagues Say About Your Presenter

"Great PD filled with relevant and applicable skills. Petra's digital LiveBinder is also a great resource!"
– Brielle Preskenis, Teacher

"All the information presented felt very actionable. I was wary of two days of virtual training, but Petra kept things moving and naturally fostered engagement. I appreciated the discussion and work time throughout."
– Autumn Hanberry, Math Teacher

"This was a very informative training. It opened my mind to a whole new way of collaboration."
– Melanee Cullinane, Math Teacher

"These past two days of training with Petra were so informative, and have given me lots of great, new co-teaching ideas."
– Judithea Collado, SPED Teacher

"This was a wonderful training to start the process of improving our Co-Teaching model. The LiveBinder is amazing and I appreciate all the resources. I love how Petra delivered content and gave time to think, process and work together. Amazing experience!"
– Megan Ferguson, ELA Teacher