Jerel Welker, a mathematics teacher at Lincoln Southwest High School in Lincoln, NE, has been teaching for 25 years in the Lincoln Public Schools. In addition to teaching mathematics, he serves as the school’s certified athletic trainer. He currently teaches pre-calculus and algebra. Prior to coming to Lincoln Southwest High School in 2004, Mr. Welker taught at Lincoln High School.
Mr. Welker is described as a master teacher with high expectations for all students. He combines deep content knowledge with technological expertise to present concepts and information in creative ways that relate to students and motivate them to achieve at high levels. Students who need extra help can find Mr. Welker volunteering his time in the Math Help room before and after school.
Largely due to Mr. Welker’s efforts, Lincoln Southwest leads the district in technology applications. He has written programs for the district and created several Web-based math courses. Mr. Welker is a resource for teachers applying technologies in the classroom, and he teaches staff development courses in mathematics and technology.
Mr. Welker has received a number of awards during his career. In 1998 he received the Lincoln Public Schools Gold Star Award and the Tandy Technology Award. He was named the KFOR Radio Sportscasters Club Sportsman of the Year in 2007.
Mr. Welker is certified to teach grades seven through twelve mathematics. He has a B.S. in mathematics from Iowa State University and a master’s in physical education from the University of Nebraska.