With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of a masterful teacher and contributor to mathematics education. Jerel Welker, a dedicated member of Lincoln Public Schools (LPS) from 1983 until his retirement in 2023, peacefully departed on April 28, 2024, following a brief yet valiant battle with cancer. Throughout his tenure in LPS, Welker garnered numerous accolades, including two prestigious Nebraska School Activities Association Distinguished Service awards and the national Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching.
Welker's influence extended well beyond the classroom. In addition to his impact in the Lincoln community, he helped shaped Nebraska’s educational landscape by teaching courses for UNL’s elementary education programs and contributing significantly to the development and instruction of mathematics content and pedagogy courses for secondary educators in UNL’s NebraskaMATH program. These courses have since become integral components of the Master of Arts for Teachers curriculum.
Welker was an esteemed figure within Nebraska’s mathematics community, leaving an indelible mark through his passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence. His absence leaves a profound void, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
For further details, see https://www.bmlfh.com/obituary/jerel-welker.