As one of the founding crew leaders at Sierra Expeditionary Learning School in 2010, Diane Welch is a veteran teacher of more than 25 years. Including her tenure at SELS, Ms. Welch has taught at two highly implementing EL Education Schools for more than 20 years (SELS and Pocatello Community Charter School). She has a high level of experience designing Learning Expeditions that align with Common Core State Standards as well as a deep understanding of EL Education 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.

In 2021, Ms. Welch received the Placer County Elementary Teacher of the Year Award, chosen from 16 school districts in the county. She was also named Idaho Environmental Educator of the Year in 2007 for her work with students on improving habitats for threatened and endangered animals in Southern Idaho and in 1999, Ms. Welch was awarded Teacher of the Year in Jacksonville, Florida at San Mateo Elementary School.

As an educator, Ms. 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 multiple EL Education National Conferences and has participated in numerous summits and institutes with the EL Education network. Prior to teaching in Truckee and Pocatello, she 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.

Ms. 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.