Shellie Troutman

Teacher

Shellie is returning to The Arbor after spending the last 5 years teaching 6^th grade for an online independent study charter school. In addition to teaching at The Arbor, she volunteers with a local organization that provides after school homework help and summer activities to at-risk youth. Her interest in education began in 2003 when she began homeschooling her oldest child through a local public school independent study program. The flexibility, individualization, and joy of learning available through homeschool programs benefited her children and inspired her to go back to school. She earned her Master’s degree in elementary education from National University in 2017. It is her goal to use what she has learned as a homeschooling parent and while earning her degree to teach in alternative educational settings like The Arbor.

When she is not teaching, Shellie enjoys reading and learning new things. Her latest endeavor includes taking the first steps toward backyard homesteading. She currently cares for a small flock of chickens, is growing a small container garden, and learning the science of composting. Other interests include spending time with her family at the beach and out in nature. She also loves road trips and theme parks. Over the years she has worked to bring her sense of adventure and love of the outdoors into the classroom with novel studies, science experiments, storytelling, and demonstrations.