Diane Welch

As one of the founding crew leaders at Sierra Expeditionary Learning School, Diane Welch is a veteran teacher of 20 years. Prior to arriving at SELS, Mrs. Welch taught for 8 years at a highly implementing Expeditionary Learning school in Pocatello, ID. Mrs. Welch has a high level of experience designing Learning Expeditions that align with newly implemented Common Core State Standards as well as a deep understanding of Expeditionary Learning practices. She has organized and led many crews on Adventure trips to Lake Tahoe, Yellowstone National Park and Crater’s of the Moon National Monument as well as taking her crew rock climbing, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, swimming, and camping.

As an educator, Mrs. Welch has spent her time at SELS teaching a multi-age 2nd/3rd grade class, 8 years teaching a multi-age 3rd/4th grade class at Pocatello Community Charter School. She has been selected to present at five Expeditionary Learning Schools National Conferences and has participated in numerous summits and institutes with the ELS network. Prior to teaching in Truckee and Pocatello, Mrs. Welch taught 5th grade in Jacksonville, Florida for six years and 2 years teaching 2nd/3rd grade in Morehead, Kentucky. Her experience is an asset to the continuing success of SELS.

Mrs. Welch holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership. 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 a native Californian and 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.