Amanda Nelms

Biography

Dr. Amanda Nelms is an Assistant Professor of Education at Belmont University.  Before joining the Belmont faculty, Dr. Nelms served as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and English Language Development Coordinator for Metro Nashville Public Schools.  She has worked with instructional leaders on national and international projects to provide equitable opportunities for multilingual learners.  Dr. Nelms holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, a Master in Teaching English Learners, Elementary Education licensure, an ESL endorsement, Administrative licensure, and a Doctorate in Learning Organizations and Strategic Change from Lipscomb University. 

Dr. Nelms teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in the English as a Second Language programs as well as other Education courses. 

Dr. Nelms has presented at state, national, and international conferences on topics such as effective communication to support Els (English learners) across districts and states, revising teacher preparation programs to include an emphasis on advocacy for multilingual students, providing EL services in blended learning environments, and the impact of students’ attitudes and beliefs about multilingual students on the college experiences.  She is currently working with colleagues on projects including a bridge between adult ESOL classes and education attainment, closing the achievement gap between Els and monolingual peers in P-12 setting, supporting multilingual learners in a pandemic, preparing teacher candidates to support multilingual learners, and exploring the impact of higher education students’ perceptions of multilingual learners on the college experience.