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Williams Home Learn More Inspiration About the Author |
About the Author: Diane Williams
Favorite Quote: - Norman Vincent Peale
"Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars."
Personal Profile
First and most importantly I am a mother of two wonderful children. My two sons are my inspiration. I am a single parent and I will do whatever it takes to give my children the best life possible teaching them how important it is to work hard and be successful citizens in their community. I believe the best way to teach them is through my example of perseverance in everything I do. As a Christian, I also believe in God and know He helps me and my family each and every day. I love children and have always enjoyed the thought of being a teacher. Prior to teaching, and even before my sons were born, I would volunteer my time and teach in the children's department at my church.
Professional Experience
I have been a teacher for the past 10 years. My experience has been Kindergarten through second grade. As far as I can remember I have always wanted to teach. I went to Napa Valley College and completed early childhood classes along with my Associates Degree in Social and Behavioral Science before I decided on majoring in Elementary Education.
I had the opportunity to try other career paths. I enjoyed working with the real estate industry as a Broker's assistant. I also worked in the food industry while I went to school in the evenings. My mind was always focused in education and I knew that it was what I always wanted to do so I stuck with it.
After I completed my studies at Napa Valley College, I transferred and relocated to Dixie State University of Utah where I completed my Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education with an ELL authorization. I lived and worked in St. George Utah area for 9 years before returning back to Northern California to family and friends and where I am from.
Over the years, I have taught in many different types of school settings. I've taught in private/parochial, charter, and public. Within these settings there have been many different economic classes and populations. I have enjoyed the rich experience of serving the children and their families in these different population groups from high performing and gifted to low performing intensive. I have learned so much about children and how they learn as well as the challenges of teaching at risk students, students with special needs, low socioeconomic students, and high populations of (ELL) English Language Learners.
Future Ambitions
For many years one of my long term goals was to work on my Masters. I am excited to finally be achieving this goal I've had for so long. It took me awhile to decide the best focus for my Masters. I decided to get my Masters Degree in Innovative Learning so I can be an innovative teacher and help all students. I want to learn the skills to help them succeed, enjoy their educational journey and obtain 21st century skills. I am continuing to pursue a second Masters program in Educational Leadership. My hopes are to implement the strategies that I learn and are most useful with differentiating instruction using technology to help all students improve and be successful. I think that TPACK would be great to implement and training for all teachers would be ideal. I am hoping to be a part of some important future changes in education in the next few years. Our future depends on the success of our children who are the next generation.
First and most importantly I am a mother of two wonderful children. My two sons are my inspiration. I am a single parent and I will do whatever it takes to give my children the best life possible teaching them how important it is to work hard and be successful citizens in their community. I believe the best way to teach them is through my example of perseverance in everything I do. As a Christian, I also believe in God and know He helps me and my family each and every day. I love children and have always enjoyed the thought of being a teacher. Prior to teaching, and even before my sons were born, I would volunteer my time and teach in the children's department at my church.
Professional Experience
I have been a teacher for the past 10 years. My experience has been Kindergarten through second grade. As far as I can remember I have always wanted to teach. I went to Napa Valley College and completed early childhood classes along with my Associates Degree in Social and Behavioral Science before I decided on majoring in Elementary Education.
I had the opportunity to try other career paths. I enjoyed working with the real estate industry as a Broker's assistant. I also worked in the food industry while I went to school in the evenings. My mind was always focused in education and I knew that it was what I always wanted to do so I stuck with it.
After I completed my studies at Napa Valley College, I transferred and relocated to Dixie State University of Utah where I completed my Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education with an ELL authorization. I lived and worked in St. George Utah area for 9 years before returning back to Northern California to family and friends and where I am from.
Over the years, I have taught in many different types of school settings. I've taught in private/parochial, charter, and public. Within these settings there have been many different economic classes and populations. I have enjoyed the rich experience of serving the children and their families in these different population groups from high performing and gifted to low performing intensive. I have learned so much about children and how they learn as well as the challenges of teaching at risk students, students with special needs, low socioeconomic students, and high populations of (ELL) English Language Learners.
Future Ambitions
For many years one of my long term goals was to work on my Masters. I am excited to finally be achieving this goal I've had for so long. It took me awhile to decide the best focus for my Masters. I decided to get my Masters Degree in Innovative Learning so I can be an innovative teacher and help all students. I want to learn the skills to help them succeed, enjoy their educational journey and obtain 21st century skills. I am continuing to pursue a second Masters program in Educational Leadership. My hopes are to implement the strategies that I learn and are most useful with differentiating instruction using technology to help all students improve and be successful. I think that TPACK would be great to implement and training for all teachers would be ideal. I am hoping to be a part of some important future changes in education in the next few years. Our future depends on the success of our children who are the next generation.
Reflections
As I reflect on my journey through this program, I feel that I have learned so much more about technology tools and ways to implement them in my teaching. Studying how to be an innovative teacher has made me think about my own teaching and the changes that I can make to enhance my teaching and benefit my students, colleagues,administration and district.
My driving question was developed through my interest in teaching literacy. Reading is a part of literacy where many students struggle. I wanted to focus on how to engage, differentiate instruction, and help all students especially at risk and English Language Learners. I have spent years collaborating with other teachers and adopting strategies that districts want to use. Reading scores are still the same and low on a national level. Teaching reading using technology tools is a new concept and I feel that it is helpful for all learners.
My driving question was developed through my interest in teaching literacy. Reading is a part of literacy where many students struggle. I wanted to focus on how to engage, differentiate instruction, and help all students especially at risk and English Language Learners. I have spent years collaborating with other teachers and adopting strategies that districts want to use. Reading scores are still the same and low on a national level. Teaching reading using technology tools is a new concept and I feel that it is helpful for all learners.
Lasting Learning from the Innovative Learning program
I have learned to use many technology tools to enhance my teaching. This will be part of my life long learning. I am looking forward to sharing my knowledge with those around me. I have learned many useful skills that is transforming me from a regular teacher to an innovative teacher. I am looking forward to sharing my new knowledge and expertise with those around me.
Over the course of this program my experience has been positive. Pam Redmond and all of the teachers have been phenomenal. it has been a personable experience and I really feel like they care. Thank you so much for accompanying me on this educational journey of graduate school and helping it be so smooth.
Thank you Napa Learns. I appreciate the financial assistance that has been provided for me in my Masters program.
Over the course of this program my experience has been positive. Pam Redmond and all of the teachers have been phenomenal. it has been a personable experience and I really feel like they care. Thank you so much for accompanying me on this educational journey of graduate school and helping it be so smooth.
Thank you Napa Learns. I appreciate the financial assistance that has been provided for me in my Masters program.
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