Reenie McMains – 6th

From hunkering in bird blinds along the Platte River to night-hiking the Costa Rican rainforests, Reenie McMains has convinced hundreds of young people to come along on her learning adventures. Teaching at SELS is the highlight of her career – Reenie loves working at SELS! It allows her the freedom to create in-depth learning experiences for her students in an environment that emphasizes creativity, caring and adventure. She enjoys the deep involvement of parents and the investment of the entire SELS community in developing children with strength of character and a passion for learning. For her, work is play!

Before joining the SELS staff, Reenie taught science for eleven years at a science and technology magnet middle school. During her time there, she taught sixth-grade science, acted as Interdisciplinary Team Leader and was promoted to the position of Science Facilitator for her building. She received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Teaching and the Alice Buffet Outstanding Teacher Award.

Reenie earned her first degree in Psychology from the University of Miami , worked in the business community, and later returned to school as an adult to become a teacher.

She spends her summers working as a freelance education writer, most recently published in science textbooks for Houghton Mifflin-Harcourt Press and Nelson Publishing. In her leisure time she hikes around the Sierras with her beloved Bernese Mountain dogs and relaxes by sketching and pastel painting.