Jorge Olaf Nelson was born in Vancouver, WA, on September 28, 1957. He attended school in Fremont, Nebraska, graduating from Fremont High in 1975. In preparation for a vocational career, he enrolled in Piney Point Community College, MD in a joint apprenticeship program with the Harry Lundberg School of Seamanship, graduating in 1978 as an ordinary seaman and was successfully employed to serve on a U.S.-flagged oil tanker. Following this tour of duty in the U.S. Merchant Marine, he was accepted into a journeyman mechanic apprentice program funded by the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA), trained at South Seattle Community College, WA and gainfully employed at the Pete Lovely Volkswagen dealership in Fife, WA. After completing the apprenticeship program, Jorge entered Tacoma Community College, WA, and graduated with an Associate in Arts and Sciences (with honors) in 1983. He was admitted to The Evergreen State College, Olympia, WA, in 1983 and graduated with a Bachelor's of Arts, major in Elementary Education, minor in Drama in 1985. He received his teaching credential from the University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA, in 1985.
In 1985 he started his teaching career in a self-contained sixth grade class at the International School Bangkok, Thailand. At ISB, he enrolled in a distance degree program through Michigan State University and in 1988 he graduated with a Masters of Arts in Curriculum and Teaching. He then taught 7th-12th grade technical education classes - power mechanics, computer-aided design, welding & technology education - at International School Islamabad, Pakistan. In 1990, he began his work in educational leadership at the American School of Asunción, Paraguay, as Assistant Director. After receiving a doctoral fellowship sponsored by the Office of Overseas Schools, U.S. Department of State and The University of Memphis, he moved to Memphis, TN in 1992 and enrolled as a doctoral student in the College of Education, Department of Leadership. He was awarded the Outstanding Student Award for Scholarship, Professional Accomplishment, and Commitment in Educational Leadership in 1994 and graduated with an Ed.D. in Administration and Supervision (with honors) in 1995.
Dr. Nelson began leading accredited international schools as the Director of the American School of Durango, México from 1994 through 1998. After completing his contract in Mexico, Jorge moved to Anaco, Venezuela where he was contracted as the Superintendent at Anzoategui International School for three years. From Venezuela, he relocated to Bali, Indonesia where Jorge became the Director of Bali International School. He completed his contract in 2003 and moved his family to Guam where he served as Headmaster at St. John’s School until July 2007.
In July the Nelson's moved to Korea where Dr. Nelson was hired by Gale International, a U.S.-based company building the world's largest private real estate development in history - Songdo International Business District. His current title is Chief Marketing Officer for Songdo uLife - where he is part of a multinational team creating a digital interface to integrate all aspects of life in Songdo - education, health, recreation, work, etc. Check out www.songdo.com for more.
Hello Jorge and welcome to classroom2.0 You certainly have an impressive 'about me' section. Hope you will share with us and yet, can learn from us as well.
Anne Mirtschin
Jan 6, 2009
Anthony Lupo
Welcome to Classroom 2.0 and greetings from California.
Jan 7, 2009
Lisa Durff
Nov 30, 2010