Venice High Teacher Brings Nursing Experience to Health Education Classroom

Greta Backstrom, a health education teacher at Venice High School in Sarasota County, is drawing on more than two decades of nursing experience in her role as a classroom instructor. Backstrom worked as a registered nurse for 21 years before transitioning into teaching.

In her Health Foundations course, students learn first aid, CPR, and critical thinking skills aimed at preparing them for emergency situations. According to the Sarasota County School District, a former student used CPR skills learned in Backstrom's class to help save his father's life.

Backstrom was recognized as part of the district's recurring Teacher Tuesday series, which highlights educators across Sarasota County schools. She lives in the area with her husband, Robert, and their two children.