We would like to recognize and congratulate our PHS Employees of the Month for January 2018 – Dr. Lillian Shaw & Ms. Melanie Nelson.
Dr. Lillian Shaw: (French Teacher)
Dr. Lillian Shaw grew up in Switzerland. As she chose a state to come to in the United States she looked for a place there would be a large population of students. She chose to come to Provo High because of its diversity and potential for unity. She has been here at PHS for 14 years. Before that she worked for 3 years at Mountain View High School, 9 years at a private accredited school “A University for Children: K-12”, and before that at the University Prep School in Switzerland. Lillian loves the beautiful diversity of PHS & the rich cultural atmosphere that comes from it. When she isn’t at work she enjoys writing poetry and silk painting.
Here are a few things colleagues had to say about Lillian:
Dr. Lillian Shaw is always there for the students. I see her working with students during her lunch time as well as after school.
She is professional teacher whom I love working with and learning from.
Dr. Shaw holds high expectations for her students while caring about and working with each student’s individual needs to help them achieve high levels of success. She has also done great work overseeing the Rising Stars Club.
Lillian is incredibly competent and phenomenal at everything she does. She is very supportive of all faculty and staff.
She is always professional. I’ve seen her bend over backwards to help students succeed even if that means giving up her lunch time.
Melanie Nelson: (Math Teacher)
Melanie Nelson grew up in the beautiful state of Wyoming. She came to Provo High when she was job hunting and got a position here. She has been at PHS for 6 years now. Before that she taught one year at Snowcrest Jr. High in Ogden Valley. Melanie really loves the community here – especially her students and coworkers. It doesn’t feel like work to her because she just gets to go to school every day and show people how awesome math is. She considers PHS to be her second home. When Melanie isn’t at work she enjoys hiking and traveling.
Here are a few things colleagues had to say about Melanie:
Melanie gives her students her best. She is very good at explaining concepts. Students come out of her class capable and knowing and understanding the math! Not only does she teach them well, but she connects with them. Students always feel welcome to stop in for help or even some advice or encouragement.
Melanie is an amazing teacher. She is the Math Guru in our department. The students respect her.
Melanie is always willing to help where needed. She volunteers to help at many extracurricular activities so she can support her students in their interests outside of the classroom.
Melanie is the best!! She provides consistent quality entertainment, stories and laughs as well as being an EXPERT at Math 3. She is funny, fun to be around and a helpful member of the team
Though Ms. Nelson turned out to be lim x – > 0 sin(x)/x in dancing, you will find that her impact on students is unbounded. She has been an integral part of our AP Calculus program and due to her efforts, we have seen improvement in student understanding and performance on AP exams. I am truly grateful to have her in our department and to be her friend.
Thank you Lillian and Melanie for your contribution to PHS! We are lucky to have you here!!