By Nicole Souza, Victoria Walker, Alex Gounaris
Staff Writers 

Timothy Welch is a new German teacher at Westford Academy.

Q:  What made you come to WA?

A: Timothy Welch grew up in Westford and went to WA where he graduated in 2004. Now part of the staff here, he teaches German and French. In high school he greatly admired his favorite teacher, Mike Joyce, and was lucky enough to be able to come back after college to work under him as a student teacher. When Joyce retired, a job opened up.

Q: How is the transition from college to Westford Academy?

A: After graduating college in 2008, Welch attended graduate school for two years, where he earned his Masters Degree. During this time, he gained experience by  teaching classes to freshmen in college. He admits that it was strange at first coming back to the school as a teacher after going here himself for four years.

Q: What are your favorite and least favorite things about Westford Academy?

A: Mr. Welch replied that his favorite thing about the school is the students. While other schools complain about students, here, when they are asked to do a task, everyone is “ready and willing to do it.” He also described the school as a “great learning community”. He said there was not really anything he did not like about the school and that the only downside is his lack of experience as a teacher.

Q: What lifestyle changes have you made to accommodate your profession?

A: Getting up a lot earlier, eating lunch at 10:20am, and balancing home and school work are just some of the life changes Mr. Welch has had to make. Leaving college with a supple schedule, Mr. Welch feels strange about “shifting everything you do to fit the school day”. He comments that it was also odd at first having his brother in school with him as a student.

Q: Who has acted as a mentor to you at Westford Academy?

A: When he first came back to the school as a student teacher, his mentor was Herr Joyce. From him, Welch learned the basics of how to manage a classroom. After Joyce’s retirements, Kristin Gillett, another German teacher, took on the role. His colleagues in the Foreign Language Department were also all a great help when he transitioned.

Q: What is your life outside of teaching?

A: Mr. Welch says that he hikes and backpacks a lot with his wife, whom he dated in high school. He also hopes one day, to hike all of the four thousand footers in New Hampshire. He has also traveled to Europe, North America, which  includes forty-five of the states. At home, he owns both a cat and a dog. Further interests of his include playing the guitar, piano, drums, and watching Boston sports’ teams on television.

Q: Do you plan on teaching being your life long profession?

A: “I hope so.” Mr. Welch loves all things relating to the world, which makes him the perfect advisor for the International Club.