WELNER TRUJILLO

WELNER@manzanitaschool.org

Welner acts as a co-teacher for the 3rd grade and provides support for the 1st grade at Manzanita. He has been a teacher for over 14 years, having trained in Reggio Emilio approaches and working extensively in early elementary education. He previously worked at Ilan Ramon Day School and First Presbyterian School of Santa Monica. Welner believes nature can be a powerful third teacher in children’s learning and values being on and connected to the land at Manzanita; embracing it, listening to it, and modeling to children how it will speak to you in so many ways, letting the land be a guide to beautiful places and incredible creatures. He values hearing the change in children who say hiking is hard and no fun, but when they return from Hawk Day, there is an echo about how it was the best day ever. Outside of school hours, Welner loves spending time out in nature, riding his bike through the canyons, and playing soccer.

Educational Background: Welner holds three Associate Degrees in Social-Behavioral Sciences, Arts and Humanities, and Child Development, as well as a Child Development permit from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and NOLS Wilderness First Aid Certification.

Joined: 2022 (Year Nine)