Diane Stichler Teaches Life Skills, Growing Teachers & Future Parents

The lessons learned in Diane Stichler’s class prepare students to survive the real world.  Student Hannah Smith says "if you pay attention and listen it can change your whole aspect of how you talk to people."

From bullying and childhood behavioral problems, to keeping a budget and planning healthy meals.  Stichler teaches life skills.  "Anything they learn in here they’re going to be using as a parent or just in life."

But Stichler hopes her Health Safety and Nutrition, Human Growth and Development, Introduction to Early Childhood Education class serves as a career pathway for future teachers.  "Yeah, we grow teachers," she jokes.

Three days a week, her students intern at area elementary schools… getting a first hand taste of what it’s like to impact the life of a young child.  "Its a good feeling, we’ve gotten letters before. I know our principal got a letter from a middle school teacher who went through this program."

Natalie Kloski wants to go into special education.  Stichler’s class helped her discover the patience and compassion needed to do the job.  "Well, special needs kids need a lot more of attention and more hands on experience."

And since a child’s first teacher is their parent, even those not going into the profession say the lessons learned here are invaluable.  Smith says "taking her class has made me a little more comfortable around babies cause I’m like they don’t hate me completely cause I’m around them."

If you know of a special teacher, recommend them for our Golden Apple Award.  Click here to fill out a nomination form.