Diane Welch is joining the crew at Sierra Expeditionary Learning School as a veteran teacher of 16 years, with the past 8 years teaching at a highly implementing Expeditionary Learning school in Pocatello, ID. Mrs. Welch has a high level of experience designing Learning Expeditions that align with state standards as well as a deep understanding of Expeditionary Learning practices. She has organized and led many crews on Adventure trips to Yellowstone National Park and Crater’s of the Moon National Monument as well as taking her crew rock climbing, snowshoeing and camping.
As an educator, Mrs. Welch has spent the last 8 years teaching a multi-age 3rd/4th grade class at Pocatello Community Charter School. She has been selected to present at three Expeditionary Learning Schools National Conferences and has participated in numerous summits and institutes with the ELS network. Prior to teaching in Pocatello, Mrs. Welch taught 5th grade in Jacksonville, Florida for six years and 2 years teaching 2nd/3rd grade in Morehead, Kentucky. Her experience will be an asset to the start-up and continuing success of SELS.
Mrs. Welch holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership. In her current position, she is a teacher leader that serves as a thinking partner to the Dean of the school and attends Leadership Summits with Expeditionary Learning Schools. She is dedicated to building a strong community of learners through team building initiatives and strives for her students to become active members of their community through crew service projects. “I believe students learn best when their work is meaningful and authentic,” Welch states.
Mrs. Welch is excited to relocate back to California where she was born and raised. She enjoys outdoor activities such as biking, hiking, skiing and most recently, stand-up paddle boarding. You will most likely find her spending her free time enjoying the beauty surrounding the Truckee area. She will be living in Truckee with her husband and two children.
SELS
11603 Donner Pass Road
Truckee, CA 96161
Portable buildings M3-M7
Email: truckeecharter@gmail.com
Phone: (530) 448-8115
Fax: (530) 448-8223
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On top of all the teaching and learning, I'm struck by the joy in the faces of all the children as they go about their quest for knowledge. Thanks to all the courageous and energetic people who had the vision to make this school a reality. With all the challenges the world faces today and predictions of disaster, these committed teachers/staff, these engaged families, and these beautiful children are a beacon of hope.
SELS embodies everything that I feel is important in my child's education and I am so grateful that she has the opportunity to learn in such an enriching environment. Teaching our children how to think and how to treat others is critical to their future success. I am thankful every single day for all the wonderful staff at SELS.
What an amazing place. It has been everything for my son that I had hoped he could experience in school. Great teacher, stimulating learning environment, and a deeply caring and nurturing place.
I am grateful that my child is encouraged to interpret concepts and think about how they apply to his life, not just memorize and repeat material. I love that SELS asks kids to think about who they are and how they contribute to the community, locally and globally.
I greatly appreciate that SELS is a heart-centered school that teaches ethics and values along with academics. That approach makes SELS a unique and special place.
I appreciate all the teachers and staff and their responsiveness. I also appreciate all the work the staff are doing to help the kids figure out how to fill each other's buckets!
Our son is bubbling over with excitement for learning. This environment is gifting him with life long skills to succeed. We are so thankful for this school.
All the Adults and students challenge each other the THINK!
SELS is amazing in the way they teach topics hands on and allow the children to learn in practical settings. We couldn't be happier seeing our son flourish so much! Thank you.
I am very grateful to the SELS staff for offering my 5th grader their hearts, as well as their knowledge. Better yet, they make learning fun and adventurous! My youngster is THRIVING at your wonderful school!!
We are thankful for many wonderful ideals and principles at SELS, but what really brings those into reality is the caring, hard-working teachers and staff. We wouldn't have thought that someone else would care as much about the whole education of our daughter as much as we do, but there is a whole team of such people at SELS.
I am so thankful that my 5th grade daughter is a member and student of this beautiful community and school. She is receiving a fantastic education with hands on learning, caring, understanding, creative, out of the box thinking and intuitive teachers. She feels included, important, confident and is growing tons in her knowledge and place in this wonderful community. Thank you SELS for being an amazing part of my daughter's education and Life!
I truly appreciate all the staff, students, parents and families at SELS. It is these people that make SELS so wonderful.
This has become a new 'family" for us!
I am so grateful for the amazing staff; they are the most amazing guides. It is an inspiration to watch them help our children learn and grow into thoughtful, independent, productive human beings!
