Dianne Nelson

Choir with Ms. Morelli, participating in the PMEA choirs and orchestras, band-front, and being an officer in the student council. I also enjoyed french class with M. Longo.

What role have public school educators played in your life?

As I reflect on the classes and opportunities I had with the public teachers of Hopewell Area Schools, the main thing that comes to mind is: these teachers wanted me to succeed. And I’m not just talking about the success that is measured by a test scores. Most of the educators I was able to interact with taught me life lessons through their concern, expectations, and expertise.

How has your years in a public school setting enriched your life?

In public school, I experienced opportunities I will never have again. How often do people perform in front of a stadium audience? Participate in math competitions? Dissect a pig? Because of the programs offered through Hopewell, my life is full of memories that remind me that I can push myself out of my comfort zone, that I can accept a challenge, and that there are opportunities for the taking if I choose to seek them out.

Why are electives (i.e. performance arts, languages) so critical in public school?

I hate to break it to you, but I never looked forward to more challenging spelling words as I moved up each grade level. The things I looked forward to was being able to sculpt clay in 8th grade, sign up for french class in high school, and play on the powder puff football team my senior year. The arts and languages are more than a class to look forward to, though. These electives help us branch out and better realize where are strengths and weaknesses are. We learn how to use different parts of our brains and bodies. We learn how to better communicate with others and cope with our circumstances. I am such a believer that when we find something we love, enjoy, and excel in, we begin to improve in all aspects of our lives. So many times it is through electives that a passion is found and as a result, we are driven to rise to our potential.

What was your most memorable experience in your tenure at Hopewell schools (K-12)?

Choosing one experience is quite difficult, so I’m going to share a few. I remember having the best English Class with Mr. Pierce my 8th grade year–each class was filled with laughs, poetry, and support from peers and our amazing instructor. In high school I loved the enthusiasm M. Longo demonstrated each and every day of class. He loved Mondays and hated Fridays and I remember thinking to myself: I want to find a job that I can love like that! (And I did–in education!) Ms. Morelli gave me so many opportunities and experiences that shaped who I am today–auditioning for honor choirs, singing solos in front of the school audience, and learning accompaniments that pushed my ability–she set the bar high and demonstrated how it could be reached through hard work and persistence.

Why is it important to encourage the next generation of educators to join the profession?

How bright do you want your future? A lot of what our world will look like in 20 years is being shaped in kindergarten classes right now. Education plays such an integral part of who we are and directs where we can go. Without dedicated educators, many talented and brilliant students could slip through the cracks and not recognize the potential they can achieve. Educators enable students to make this world a better, more efficient, safer, and loving place. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?