Joan Nielsen, associate professor of education and project manager of Project Proficient at Morningside College, recently was a presenter at the Iowa Culture and Language Conference in Coralville, Iowa.

Joan Nielsen, associate professor of education and project manager of Project Proficient at Morningside College, recently was a presenter at the Iowa Culture and Language Conference in Coralville, Iowa.

Nielsen presented a session, “Using Professional Learning Communities for Diverse Needs.” This presentation examined Professional Learning Communities and implementation of the concept for staff development in diverse school districts across the state of Iowa.

She also gave a presentation with Dr. Socorro Herrera, a Kansas State University professor of education. This presentation was titled “Application of Effective Teaching Strategies.”

Project Proficient is a federally funded program at Morningside College where area teachers receive scholarships for courses to become certified to work with English Language Learners.

Nielsen has been with Morningside College since 2001. Prior to that time, she worked at the Battle Creek Community and BCIG Community Schools as an instructor, curriculum director and elementary principal. She received her master’s degree and education specialist certificate from Drake University.