The Methow Valley School District is pleased to announce that Joe Query has been selected to serve as the Independent Learning Center’s (ILC) new advisor. As the newest member of the team, Joe will be supporting students in their individualized programs of study, providing math instruction, and bringing new energy to a dynamic team of educators.
When asked about how he arrived in the Methow Valley, Joe answered, “I grew up in the Tacoma area and would come to the Methow occasionally as a kid. After spending a few years in Denver and getting into trail running, I started coming to the Methow more often for Rainshadow Running races. When life on the west side of the state was feeling a bit too wet and my partner, Michaela and I were seeking something different for our family, we decided to teach abroad in the middle eastern country of Qatar for 3 years. Knowing we would want to return to Washington state, we set our sites on the Methow Valley for its access to outdoor activities–hiking, climbing, cycling and skiing. We were also drawn by the schools’ recent transition to the International Baccalaureate program and the plethora of opportunities for youth in the community.”
Prior to joining the ILC, Joe provided Special Education services in an IB school in Qatar. Prior to his time spent teaching in Qatar, Joe spent 5 years providing Special Education services in a middle school setting in Tacoma. Joe also spent 5 years developing and leading a variety of non-profit organizations.
After considering a variety of roles within the Methow Valley School District, Joe realized how well the ILC’s programming fit his passions for a relational approach to education and individualized programs of study. “After visiting the ILC and researching Big Picture Learning, I immediately felt it would be a good fit for my experiences and skills. Having worked in non-profit leadership for 5 years and teaching students of all backgrounds for the past 9 years, the dynamic environment of the ILC was quite alluring. The students and staff are passionate about their work and have an authentic love of lifelong learning.”
When not teaching, Joe loves to be active outside with his family. They can be found planting seeds in the garden, running the trails, mountain biking, skiing, climbing, backpacking or traveling.
Please join us as we welcome Joe Query!