During my mentor interview with Kim Reeder, I learned this is her second year of teaching. She has homeschooled and been a part of the homeschool community for some time, so she knew of Diann.
Her kids also attended Simulations Week and the Youth Wilderness Adventure. She was teaching for another school (leadership classes in middle school) when she saw an opening for a job at Ensign Peak Academy. Diann thought she would be a good fit for an elementary position.
What do you love about your subject? Tell us about how you became interested in that subject.
I teach 3rd and 4th grade unit studies. Science and social studies are the subjects in those units. We spend 6 weeks on each topic and then it switches.
I love science and studying history. Also, I love the format of being able to change every 6 weeks.
I have a degree in dental hygiene, so science has always been one of my loves. Learning is one of my favorite things and I love learning about people and science.
Why did you decide to become a teacher?
I homeschooling my kids for many years. My oldest learned to read when he was 3 and I didn’t feel like school was a good fit for him.
Homeschooling was fun for the family. When the kids could manage themselves, the opportunity came to teach at Ensign Peak Academy. That’s when I decided to take the elementary school unit studies mentor position.
I was a slow dental hygienist because I love talking and learning from people, so I figured that being a dental hygienist wasn’t going to be the career path for me.
How did you become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? What does that mean to you?
I’m from pioneer stock. My family came across the plains. It means everything to me. It is so much a part of who I am and how I think. I don’t know how to teach without including the gospel of Jesus Christ. Science and religion don’t really conflict with one another and I like to be able to teach science knowing full well that the gospel doesn’t discount science.
Tell us about yourself and your family.
We have five kids. Three of those kids are adults and have moved out. Our oldest helped start a company when he was 15.
Where do you live?
We currently live in Boise, Idaho. I was born and raised in Preston, Idaho.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I like to be outdoors, especially for mountain biking and hiking. Our family spends a lot of time running on the trails. We also like to work in the garden.
What is something unique about you?
I like to eat healthy foods and get at least eight hours of sleep at night. I have an autoimmune disease that will take me out of commission if I don’t eat right and get enough sleep.
What hopes do you have for your students?
I want my students to get an education that matches their mission. I want them to build a vocabulary that will help them think about their purpose. My hope is that they will learn to love learning.
This concludes my mentor interview with Kim Reeder.
To learn more about the elementary school curriculum at Ensign Peak Academy, click on the following link: