Teacher Spotlight: Diane Skalski
Diane Skalski, a history teacher at Sante Fe Catholic High School, spent time with her former students throughout the summer. Skalski has been teaching for many years and has traveled a lot, bringing back a piece of the world to her classroom.Growing up in Passaic, New Jersey, Diane majored in history at Seton Hall University. Over the summer, she did a lot of great things, including attending the AP Reading and the AP National Conference and traveled to the Maritimes of Canada, Chicago, and Manhattan. But the highlight of her summer was spending time with a few of her former students.Thanks to social media, she has been able to connect and stay in touch with her former students. Here is a bit about where they are now and what they are doing:
Morgan Watkins (class of 2008) is a reporter for the Louisville newspaper.
Ian Proctor (class of 2007) is working in Africa for Catholic Relief Services.
Matthew English (class of 2012) is working for a political action group.
Amanda Irvin (class of 2000) is an administrator at Columbia University.
Wendy Diaz (class of 2010) is working in admissions/graduate studies at New York University.
Becky Bavinger (class of 2002) is working for a non-profit foundation in Manhattan.
Molly Shaw (class of 2007) is working in Manhattan in home textiles.
Diane encourages them to come back to the school and see all the changes on the campus. One specific change Diane is excited about is the advances in the AP World History class starting this year. The most rewarding part? Seeing students appreciate history and encouraging them to see the world — like she has. She hopes each student finds history as valuable and interesting as she does. Get to Know Diane SkalskiQ: What do you like to do for fun?A: Read, travel, and go to museums!Q: Do you have any pets?A: Four cats.Q: Do you have a favorite movie or TV show? A: My favorite movie is “Field of Dreams.”Q: Do you have a favorite book?A: I read historical fiction, historical fiction, and historical mysteries.Q: If you could have any superpower, what would it be? A: The ability to teleport myself back and forth to Clearwater every day.Q: What’s your favorite place that you’ve traveled, or a place you hope to travel? A: I have always wanted to go to Australia and New Zealand!Q: If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?A: Pizza.At Polk County private schools, we foster an atmosphere of care and an environment of high expectations and effective discipline. To learn more about what makes us different, contact the Office of Catholic Schools at the Diocese of Orlando by dialing 407-246-4800.