Lifetime of learning

In the 40 years Nancy Nuttelman worked in the Coeur d'Alene School District, she taught more than 1,000 students.

Those students have gone on to become valedictorians, neurosurgeons, sergeant majors, nuclear physicists, nurses and musical directors.

Some have even followed in their treasured first-grade teacher's footsteps and become teachers themselves.

"I've had a beautiful career," Nuttelman said, seated outside her Coeur d'Alene home on a warm Friday morning.

This summer, Nuttelman officially retired from teaching. The 2021-2022 school year was the final chapter in her 31 years at Dalton Elementary School. She worked at a few other schools in the district, first embarking on this journey in education at age 21, teaching third grade at the District Developmental Center where Venture High School is now.

"It was a lab school, where teachers, practicum students, student teachers and educators throughout the area and country would come and we would host labs," she said. "It was watching the master teacher and students interact on a real-time basis.

"Working in that environment was an honor and a privilege," she continued. "My experiences in college at Eastern Washington University laid the foundation for that experience."

Nuttelman's specialty was — and still is — reading and literacy, in which she earned her master's and specialist degrees. She spent much of her career helping students with literacy challenges, such as dyslexia, comprehension, visual processing and more.

Nuttelman gained classroom and small group experience, but truly honed her ability to work one-on-one with her students.

She said people would sometimes ask why she decided to stay in the classroom all those years, rather than go elsewhere with her career.

"The generational impact of having children for a whole year is profound," she said, adding that while she taught first grade, she was also able to assist children with other learning styles and ensure all students received the instruction that addressed their individual needs.

"The hallmark of the teacher is to observe like a scientist and determine which learning styles will be the student's strengths and work from a strength-based model," she said. "The power of encouragement, support and trust builds relationships which in turn fuels literacy development."

She didn't consider this extra work at all.

"It's my joy and passion," Nuttelman said. "It was being able to provide the skillsets, the encouragement, the safety and trust for the students. That's what brings me joy."

"My wish is that people saw, heard and felt my joy and passion for education, my deep respect and care for the students, the parents, my colleagues and community," she said.

Nuttelman spoke fondly, and at times with tears in her blue eyes, as she reflected on her years teaching students, working with other teachers and collaborating with parents.

While teaching brought joy to her heart, she certainly brought joy to the hearts of others.

Dalton Principal Jody Hiltenbrand said 31 years at Dalton gives Nuttelman legendary status.

"Think of the impact you have made over 40 years in this district. It is profound," Hiltenbrand wrote to Nuttelman after she announced her retirement.

"It has been my honor to work alongside you and learn from you," Hiltenbrand wrote. "You never stopped learning. Thank you for such amazing service and profound impact on literacy in our community."

Nuttelman said life is like a wonderful book, with some chapters coming to a close.

"Even though I have closed the 40-year chapter, the memories, the words, the actions, the friendship, the caring, the love, the wisdom and the knowledge I will treasure forever," she said. "I've been blessed to retire and close this chapter in my career at Dalton and in a school district that truly values the mission of inspiring, innovating and investing."