The Clare Prentice Nelson ’28 Teaching Chair was established in 1994 during the school’s 150th anniversary campaign, by a gift from Mrs. Nelson’s estate. This chair is awarded based on distinguished teaching, of demonstrated excellence over time in the classroom, and leadership within an academic discipline.
The Nelson Teaching teaching chair is going to one of our most creative and innovative math teachers. One student described her as “strong, kind, determined, and caring.” Another said that “she makes mathematics fun by allowing for a discussion-based learning environment which pushes us to make connections and enjoy the learning process.” Another student raved, “She makes everyone laugh constantly and makes the classroom feel like a comfortable place to be yourself, to fail, and to succeed as a class.”

This teacher helps her student do more than simply plug in a formula and get an answer — she teaches them to think deeply, to problem solve, and to communicate their thinking. In short, she helps them to truly understand. “HUR” AIS Post-Calculus through Narrative course is one of the coolest courses we offer, and “SHIU” is beloved by all of the students who find themselves enmeshed in her “WEBB” of caring and expertise.
I am pleased to award Clare Prentice Nelson ’28 Teaching Chair to Hur-Shiu Webb.