Honoring Erline Bass Nelson.

WHEREAS, Ms. Nelson is actually Dr. Nelson, having earned a master’s degree and a doctorate in education. She does not like, however, to discuss it. She claims to not have been born a doctor, she does not want to appear to be above her students and colleagues, and she seems possessed of an honest humility which keeps her grounded in what is her profession and avocation: teaching kindergarten children; and

WHEREAS, As if that weren’t wonderful enough, we also note that Ms. Nelson could have retired many years ago and that she’s probably losing money by staying in teaching. She does not seem to care. She feels she is helping young people, most of them low income, all of them minority, attain goals that are important for educated citizens; and

WHEREAS, We have heard and read that when there is too much talking going on in her classroom she points to a picture on the wall of Martin Luther King, Jr. He’s whispering in her ear, she says. He’s saying “Respect, respect.” Students learn to read and write and solve problems, and they also learn the very basic foundation of human values; and

WHEREAS, In November, Ms. Nelson, the grandmother of five, earned the highest distinction in the teaching profession: certification by the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards. Only eight other city public school teachers have earned that certification, which carries rigorous requirements, and implies long experience, love of learning and great wisdom; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor and commend Ms. Erline Bass Nelson, not only for earning certification by the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards, but also sharing her knowledge, wisdom and great love with untold thousands of students through her forty-five year career.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Ms. Erline Bass Nelson as evidence of the deep respect, sincere admiration and hearty congratulations of this legislative body.

End