PCS teacher awarded "Outstanding Educator"

Mel Strahm receives honor from El Dorado SELPA
Posted on 12/08/2022

Melanie Strahm, special education teacher at Plumas Charter School received the 2022/2023 Outstanding Educator award from the El Dorado Charter Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA). Strahm is the sole recipient of the award from the organization that represents 500 charter schools throughout the state.  


She will be presented the award during the Inspiration to Action Symposium on January 27 in Sacramento. Recently, a team from SELPA traveled to Quincy to interview Strahm and compile a video that will be featured during the event. 


Lori Hahn is the student services coordinator for PCS and Strahm’s supervisor. “I nominated her for this award after watching the truly amazing job she does in her work with our students with individualized education plans (IEPs),” said Hahn. 


Strahm has been with PCS for eight years and started as an instructional aide. “It was evident from the beginning that she was in the right field. It has been such a pleasure to watch her grow as a professional and to thrive as a special education educator,” said PCS Executive Director, Taletha Washburn. 


Strahm shared that one of the things she loves the most about PCS is the collaboration between the special and general education teachers, that they are able to provide the resources and support that students need and deserve. “I would like to thank Lori Hahn for training me, continuing to support me and modeling how to be a supportive person for all team members. I might not have continued in this profession if it weren’t for Cindy Thackery, Brittini Wade and Inge Stock teaching and encouraging me. I want my award to recognize and celebrate all of the dedicated and amazing people that I work with.”

By Rachel Goings, Public Relations Specialist  [email protected]