LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Marie Nelson was nominated by Ashlee Flint, a member of the community.

Ms. Nelson is one of those rare teachers who has quietly changed the lives of hundreds—maybe thousands—without ever seeking the spotlight. It's time someone gave her one. She's been at Columbia Academy since her student teaching days in 2008. That kind of loyalty and consistency is rare in any profession, let alone one as demanding as education. But Ms. Nelson hasn't just stayed—she's grown, led, mentored, and lifted everyone around her.

As an English Language teacher, Ms. Nelson works with students who are often navigating not just a new language, but a new life. She does so with the kind of empathy and patience that can't be taught in a textbook. She meets her students where they are academically, emotionally, and culturally, but her impact goes far beyond the classroom. She mentors new teachers, leads the EL department, advises the after-school ENCORE program, and supports the WEB student leadership initiative. She even brings global experiences back to her students after traveling to Latin America, turning the world into a classroom.

"When Marie was named Local #710 Teacher of the Year in 2024, it wasn't surprising—it was overdue. She's the kind of educator every student deserves but not every student gets. Her presence, leadership, and heart make Columbia Heights a better place to learn and grow for kids and colleagues alike. Marie isn't just a local teacher of the year—she's a LifeChanger. And it's time more people knew it," said Flint.