David P. Nelson is a language arts teacher at Westby Area High School. He has integrated a Holocaust literature unit in his AP Language and Composition course and his Advanced World Literature course for the past 27 years. His initial interest in Holocaust education was heightened while he was enrolled in a Holocaust education course instructed by Gregory P. Wegner at UW- La Crosse. This fervor has risen to new heights through the encouragement and support he has received from Darryle Clott. Nelson has attended several Teaching the Holocaust workshops, directed by Darryle Clott, at Viterbo University. 

Nelson earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English and secondary education from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in December 1994. In his 25 years of teaching, supervising, and mentoring at Westby Area High School, 29 years in education total, he has also coached numerous sports, served on various committees, and continues to search for fresh and innovative methods in which to instruct all of his students. Nelson’s wife, Dawn, is the elementary principal in the Cashton Area School District, and their son Noah is a student at Viterbo University majoring in sports management and minoring in English writing. The Nelsons have resided in Westby since 2002.