In her 29th year at St. Thomas Catholic School in Philo and 40th overall in education, fifth-grade teacher Diane Deters still puts in the extra effort for her students.
Whether she’s staying after school to make sure they understand a concept or teaching them a lesson where they dress up like saints for a project, the Teutopolis native makes sure her students get the most out of their education.
“She gives her all to each of her students,” Principal Jean Holmes said. “If students have trouble with homework, she will stay after school to help them. She will work with each student to help them with organizational skills. She volunteers to help anywhere she is needed. She knows just how to help students who are behind coming into her class. She is outstanding.”
I find my work important because ... I can help the students grow and give them a catholic identity to succeed in whatever they want. At St. Thomas, I help the student learn the values and virtues, build character and learn how to be a Christ-like person while teaching the basic classes.
I became a teacher because ... my dad was a teacher and he enjoyed it. I babysat a lot, and I always loved to read to children and help them. I also worked with my mom with the handicapped. The choice was easy when I went to college. My older sister and brother are/were teachers, too.
My favorite or most unique lesson that I teach is ... I have so many. Math has always been my favorite class. When you see the light in their eyes that says “I got it,” it just fills you with pride. My classes also dress up like saints. It is fun seeing their choices and how they find ways to dress up “like” them.
My most fulfilling moments on the job are when ... I don’t have to remind them about what the best choice should be. They just do it! When I see the students help each other out with kindness. I am also very proud that my five children graduated from St. Thomas and now seeing my grandchildren grow and do well at the same school.
I keep students engaged by ... We use peer-assisted learning and group discussions. They also work on the smartboard with me. I walk around the class and talk with the students and see how they are doing. I give them different types of praise; they get to go for a walk during snack break and I give small social/physical breaks between classes. If we have a good week and/or get compliments from other teachers, I bake them cookies. I’m all over the place, because I don’t have a certain spot where I teach.
Something else I’m passionate about is ... my faith and my family. My husband and I went on a pilgrimage to Rome. What a life experience for my faith. I try to help my children and 12 grandchildren as much as I can. Seven of my grandchildren are at St. Thomas, and I am teaching one of them this year. I also think its important to be healthy. I get up early in the morning to walk/exercise before I go to school. That helps me get through the day.
My favorite teacher and subject to study was ... This is way back in Teutopolis Grade School. Mr. Lee taught math in sixth grade. He took me aside and challenged me to do better. Mr. Uptmor in Teutopolis High School band, he pushed me to play better and he saw my potential. I still play the flute for Mass.
If I weren’t a teacher, I would ... work with all ages that are developmentally and emotionally disabled. I got a special-education degree but have only taught in regular classrooms. Also, a Zumba instructor. I love the dance and exercise!
— Anthony Zilis