- December 31, 2024
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Elementary school was a struggle for Colleen Welsh.
“I struggled with behavior, academics — especially math — and speech, moving through eight schools and even repeating a grade,” said Welsh, who now teaches elementary school.
Welsh, Rymfire Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year, said everything changed for her when she got into middle school and her English Language Arts teacher became her “Miss Honey” from the Roald Dahl novel, “Matilda,” offering kindness and encouragement.
“She transformed school into my safe place, where I began to thrive,” Welsh said. “We stayed in touch through the years, and later, as a substitute teacher, I had the privilege of working alongside her.”
Welsh has been a teacher for 13 years, the past seven at Rymfire, where she currently teaches fifth grade science and social studies.
In his recommendation letter to the district’s Teacher of the Year Selection Committee, Rymfire Principal Travis Lee wrote that Welsh “has a remarkable ability to break down complex concepts into manageable parts, ensuring that all students can grasp the material. … Colleen’s students consistently achieve remarkable academic outcomes, reflecting her dedication to their learning and growth.”
Welsh has been battling leukemia and each day comes with struggles, she said, but her students and her passion for teaching keep her going.
“Being nominated for District Teacher of the Year fills me with immense gratitude and pride,” Welsh said. “This honor affirms the impact I strive to make and inspires me to continue growing, supporting others and creating meaningful experiences. It’s a powerful reminder that our work as educators truly matters, even in the face of personal challenges.”
Her favorite thing about being a teacher, she said, is having the opportunity to inspire and nurture a love for learning in her students.
This honor affirms the impact I strive to make and inspires me to continue growing, supporting others and creating meaningful experiences.
— COLLEEN WELSH, Rymfire Elementary School Teacher of the Year
“I absolutely love the ‘light bulb’ moments and the ‘aha’ moments when they suddenly understand a concept or idea,” she said. “It's especially rewarding when they make connections between what we learn in class and their personal lives, as it shows how much their learning resonates with them. Building meaningful relationships with my students and watching them grow both academically and personally is incredibly fulfilling.”
Lee said in addition to being an outstanding teacher, Welsh is a leader on campus serving on Rymfire’s Teacher Leadership Team and Professional Learning Community.
“She actively collaborates with her colleagues, sharing best practices and supporting their professional growth,” he said.
When asked what is one piece of wisdom she would share with students, Welsh said it would be to “embrace mistakes and challenges with perseverance. Mistakes are opportunities to learn, and overcoming challenges makes you stronger,” she said.
Welsh is active in her church, and before she started her leukemia treatment she was a member of the choir and taught a Sunday school class. She enjoys spending time with close friends. One of her favorite activities, she said, “is walking on the beach looking for sea glass or swimming in the ocean, which helps me relax and connect with nature. I’m also passionate about outdoor activities like tent camping and kayaking, as they allow me to explore new places and enjoy the beauty of the world around me.”
