Sandra Nielsen
By Myrna Trauntvein
Times-News Correspondent
Sandra K. Nielsen has been named as the new principal of Red Cliff's Elementary School.
"Mrs. Nielsen was selected from a field of 35 candidates who applied for the position," said Jim Shank, superintendent.
She has a Master of Elementary Education: Reading Instruction which she obtained August 2007 at the Utah State University, Logan.
She was on the Dean's List and received her Bachelor of Science Elementary and Special Education; Reading Endorsement; December 1991
Southern Utah University, Cedar City.
She was on the Dean's List and obtained an Associate Degree General Education: Journalism May 1983 from Dixie College, St. George.
She was on the Executive Council and also received the Dean's Scholarship: English and Journalism.
"I am passionate about education and learning, and I possess a genuine excitement for life,' said Nielsen. "The attitude of the school leader, the principal, is contagious and will permeate every interaction within the school building. I believe a positive and optimistic attitude—coupled with unbridled enthusiasm, dedication, and a strong work ethic—is key in creating a cohesive, successful organization."
She was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, graduated from Bonanza High School in Las Vegas.
She is married to Raymond Nielsen, a teacher in the Nebo District 1980-85; a Juab District, 6th grade teacher at Nebo View Elementary, 1985 to the present, a coach at Juab High School, 1985 to the present, and the Adult Education Director, Juab School District, 2001-present.
She and her husband are the parents of: Hali, Guidance Counselor, Oak Canyon Jr. High, Alpine School District; Kellen, student, UVU, Secondary Education major; Landon, student, SUU, Exercise Science major; Logan, full-time missionary, Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints, Charlotte, North Carolina; Nolan, student, Juab Jr. High School, 8th grade; and Sadie, a student at Red Cliffs Elementary School, 3rd grade.
Her parents are Ronald E. and Dee Pulse, of Las Vegas, NV and Nephi. In her educational philosophy she said, in part: "I believe a school is more than a building of bricks and mortar. A school is a truly unique setting where learners of all ages can come together to foster growth and promote the intellectual, social, and emotional wellbeing of every child who inhabits its structure."
Nielsen has worked for many years in the Juab School District. She has been over K-3 Literacy from 2008 to the present and has served as project leader, USOE K-3 Reading Assessment technology grant; and has directed the K-5 Literacy Curriculum Committee.
She has been providing literacy training and instructional coaching for the district first grade team; has trained instructional assistants in Early Steps, Next Steps, and Higher Steps; has worked as a trainer of DIBELS Next for teachers and instructional assistants.
She has also completed a UURC Next Steps Internship in Davis School District and has completed Early Steps, Next Steps, and Higher Steps practicum at the University of Utah Reading Clinic.
Nielsen has been over Staff Development at Red Cliffs Elementary and in Juab School District from 2008 to the present and has been over Curriculum and Instruction 2009 to the present.
She developed and Implemented a mentoring program for Level 1 teachers; served as USOE Grade 4 facilitator, Common Core Academy, English Language Arts; developed the District Professional Development plan and facilitated teacher development sessions; organized New Teacher Induction Institute; presented Common Core State Standards seminars for district teachers; taught "Effective Classroom Management Practices" for district teachers; and provided individualized instructional coaching for "Classroom Management" participants.
She co-authored Red Cliffs Elementary Literacy Framework and provided training for teachers; authored UDOT Safe Routes to School application, RCES; was a classroom teacher 1991-2008; was an intern supervisor, Red Cliffs Elementary; was a teacher, Grade 4, Red Cliffs Elementary School; was team leader, Grade 4, Red Cliffs Elementary School; and was a special Education Teacher, Grades K-5; Mild, Moderate, and Severe at Nephi Elementary School.
She also worked as part of assessment administration; Special Education, Juab School District, 1990-1991.
Nielsen has been a member, Curriculum and Instruction Committee, 2010 to present; a member, Superintendent Selection Committee, 2010; president, Juab Education Association, 2002-03; a member, District Curriculum Blocking Committee, 2005-2010; Executive Board, Juab Education Association, 1993-2009; Contract Negotiator, Juab Education Association, 2000-2009; Ad Hoc Citizens Committee, Capital Facilities and Student Growth, 2005; and was an appointee of Governor Leavitt for State School Board Selection Committee, District 15; 2003.
"As the school principal, it is my responsibility to provide the support and leadership that will direct the educators within our school in accomplishing this most important mission," Nielsen said. "A good leader must have a clear vision of the organization's direction and a proactive yet practical plan for getting there."
