Dustin Nelson is the principal at Northview Elementary School, part of Valparaiso Community School corporation. He graduated from Portage High School in 1994, when he began carving his own path in the world of education. In December of 1998, he went on to graduate from Valparaiso University, getting his bachelor’s there.
Nelson was a player on Bob Mattix’s football teams back in the day at Portage. When Mattix took the position of offensive-line coach at Valparaiso University, Nelson crossed paths with him again. Nelson would have profound conversations about life with Mattix. A relationship developed between the two, with the coach sending the occasional letter of encouragement to Nelson once he began both teaching and coaching.
While in high school, Nelson was inspired by the many educators and coaches who had played contributing roles in developing within him a deeper interest in him becoming a teacher.
“When I was brought into my guidance counselor’s office in high school, I was given the ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ speech. I started reflecting on the teachers and coaches who had such a profound impact on me,” he said. “I started thinking about the opportunity to have that kind of impact on other people; I was sold.”
More than 40 years after that fateful meeting, Nelson now enjoys simply being a part of students’ journeys, helping them clear obstacles so that they can move forward. He’s been doing that passionately, having even humbly served as a teacher first for 13 years. He took a trip back into academia along the way, arriving at Purdue Calumet (now Purdue University Northwest) to earn a master’s degree in educational administration. He’s felt his journey has led him to what he’s supposed to be doing in the community.
Nelson believes the teachers are the true heroes in the building. His philosophy as an educator has taught him to treat them as the experts. Nelson regularly collaborates with the teachers to effectively address questions and problems among themselves, the children in the classroom, and the families within the school district. As one, they move needed resources to make the biggest impact, constantly looking for what’s best for everybody involved in any situation, whether tricky or straightforward.
“What we’re doing every day is investing in our youth, and that’s investing in our community,” he said. “A strong educational system is going to lead to a strong community, and a strong community is going to provide everybody with quality life experiences daily.”
Nelson’s hobby today is his family. He’s been married to his wife since 2001, and they have five children together. All of them spend a lot of time with one another, and there’s always laughing to be heard. If he had to give advice regarding marriage, he’d suggest that one devote themselves to another who’s not only their spouse but also their best friend. That’s where the smiles start and the pride grows.
“I absolutely am very fortunate I married my best friend. That makes life very nice. When I’m not in education, I’m with my family, and I love being with my family because they make me smile all the time. I want to make them proud of me,” he said.
It’s clear that Nelson appreciates the community of Valparaiso and finds ways to give back through his vocation, as he views himself as a servant to it. He’s seen how the city does well for itself and that there’s so much more to come and so benefit area residents in some way or another. He’s noticed how the citizens aspire to strive to become better and better all around.
“I love Valpo because it has high expectations. The people of Valpo shoot for the stars. They’re aspirational,” he said. “It’s synergistic in that there are positive people all around Valpo. For example, business people are trying to grow the downtown area. That high bar that Valpo sets for itself and for its community, that’s what makes this place really special.”