Biography

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Jill Nilson

2nd Grade Teacher

Since I was a little girl, I have always wanted to be a teacher. I can still remember my first-grade teacher, Mrs. Smith, and how much I loved her! I have so many memories of all the wonderful teachers from kindergarten to BYU that blessed my life. I will be forever grateful for their influence. I too am excited to have the opportunity to influence my students for good!

I was born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina until my parents decided to move to Utah. I was 13 at that time. Utah has become home for me, even though I love to return to the South as often as I can. I love to travel, especially with my family. I am married and have 5 beautiful children, 2 wonderful sons-in-law and seven beautiful grandchildren.

While my own children were small, I did a lot of substituting in the District for K-6.  Twenty years ago, I received a phone call asking if I wanted to be a TA. I had the opportunity to work with a student that needed extra care. I loved that experience and the student I worked with. At that point in my life, I had a niece that moved into town who was looking for a preschool. She asked me where she could find a great one. I gave her the names of several places, but then she said to me, “I want you to open a preschool.” I thought to myself, “Why not?” So, I did! I owned a preschool for 6 years and absolutely loved it. I have had 12 years of experience teaching Pre-K and Kindergarten.

I now have been given this great opportunity to teach at Mountainville Academy and am very privileged to be part of such an amazing school. I am so excited to be teaching second grade. I have always loved the younger grades. I believe that this is the foundation for future success, and I will strive to create an environment that my students will feel loved, happy, and safe in and that they will love coming to school every day.