Known affectionately as Mr. Nelson by every kindergartener, his soft-spoken delivery of lessons, unwavering patience, and constant affirmation of each student has led to not only the class’s success, but his own. As a teacher’s assistant at Harford Hills Elementary, Nelson Cropper supports the two kindergarten teachers by working with small groups and individual students in areas of need including counting and math problems, identifying letters and their sounds, and rhyming words. In addition, he assists the students in the lunchroom. Most importantly, Nelson always demonstrates the value of showing kindness and compassion.

To those who have played a part in his path to employment, Nelson sends a daily email detailing his day with enthusiasm. In one email, Nelson wrote “I greet the students with high fives, tell them to do their best, and listen to their teachers so they can achieve their goal of learning.” Principal Lesley Stepney said “Mr. Nelson’s gift of fostering rapport with his students comes naturally to him. He is well loved throughout this school and is an important contributor to the success at Harford Hills.”

We applaud our business partners like Baltimore County Public Schools who provide meaningful employment to people with developmental disabilities. Here are the business partners who have hired a new employee in the last six months:

Baltimore Gas & Electric (Choice Program)
Cintas Corporation
Coppermine Health Fitness
Levy Foods at Camden Yards
Mission BBQ
North Park Country School
Wicklein's Native Plants
Woodholme Elementary

If you are interested in working with our Business Services team to fulfill your hiring needs, please visit www.thearcbaltimore.org/workforce to get started.