Mechelle LaLanne

Beginning in the fall of 2023, Mechelle LaLanne is Stehekin School’s teacher. Mechelle holds a Master’s degree and certificates in K-8 education, Middle-Level Science, 4-12 Psychology, and P-12 Administration. She has been serving Washington’s schools for over twenty years. Although her primary focus has been science, she has taught almost every grade, including college. From her first teaching role on the Makah Reservation to working with educators around the country, Mechelle has a passion for teaching and learning and is excited to be a part of Stehekin’s rich educational heritage.

Before moving to Stehekin, Mechelle and Jason had been working remotely and traveling the country in their Airstream since August of 2019. Mechelle started her educational consulting business while Jason continued his job with Confluence Health, and they made their way through forty-eight states and many National Parks. They were able to sell their home in Wenatchee and most of their possessions once their two daughters had grown up and started their own adventures. Today, Karynne, their oldest, is married and has two amazing kids, and Madalynne is to be married in December of 2023.

Although life on the road was fantastic, Mechelle had always dreamt of teaching in a one-room school. “I have been in so many classrooms around this country, and I felt that how we currently “do school” lacks the connection and authenticity that the Stehekin School program brings to students. I am thrilled to be learning so much from witnessing first hand what this style of teaching can accomplish. I have even directed my first play based on our main lesson unit which included reading Alice in Wonderland.”

Mechelle and Jason still enjoy traveling and look forward to visiting their grandchildren in Charleston, SC, during spring break and picking up their Airstream for summer adventures.