Retiring teacher loves her work
By Sylvie Belmond belmond@theacorn.com

SYLVIE BELMOND/Acorn Newspapers GOODBYE TO GREAT EDUCATOR- Susanne Smith-Stein, left, principal at Arroyo West, talks about the accomplishments of fifth-grade teacher Jackie Welter at a school board meeting Tuesday. Welter is retiring after 20 years of teaching in Moorpark. She has been a facilitator for the gifted and talented student program at the school. Welter meets the needs of students at all levels and she's been an inspiration for her students and her peers, said Smith-Stein.

Going to work has never been a chore for Jackie Welter, a fifthgrade teacher at Arroyo West Elementary School.

"I love to teach because every day is like going to Disneyland for the first time. It's always full of surprises," she said.

Welter is retiring after 20 years of teaching in Moorpark, and she's made a lasting mark.

"Education is losing a major champion of excellence in teaching," said Pam Hill, principal at Flory Academy and a longtime friend of Welter.

Welter uses basic teaching principles to promote learning in a flexible setting. Although there is a routine, each day at school is different and fun.

"We all have to figure out a way to bring some magic and make the curriculum interesting," Welter said, savoring her last few days in the classroom as she prepares to step into the next phase of her life.

"Welter is like the conductor of a symphony when she's in her classroom, said Susanne SmithStein, principal at Arroyo West. She's in tune with her pupils and she inspires them to do their best, she said.

Fifth-graders are upbeat and ready to accept new challenges, according to Welter. They're independent, but they still have open minds, she said. She encourages her pupils to work in small groups so that they can learn to cooperate and share ideas with other students who have similar interests and skill levels.

"Kids love to work together, and they like to choose whom they're working with. They also feed off each other's wonderful ideas," Welter said.

To best respond to the individual needs of students, teachers should listen to what children say and get input from parents, said Welter, who's been able to meet the needs of pupils at all levels.

In addition to teaching, she's been facilitator for the Gifted and Talented Education program and a member of the Moorpark District Writing Committee and the Strategic Planning Team, among other groups.

Although retirement is bittersweet because she'll miss working with students, Welter said, she looks forward to spending more time with her family and friends, especially her daughter, Jill; son-in-law, Paul; and 2-year-old granddaughter, Kylee, who live near San Diego.

Adventure is also on the horizon for Welter: She'll be going on a cruise in the Mediterranean and visiting museums in Italy, France and Greece in September.