Diane Purdy: Getting to know students is one of her favorite things 

Published 6:52 am Thursday, August 10, 2023

After leaving a career in retail management in 2005, she entered the educator’s path as a substitute teacher at Cooley Elementary School and as a library substitute at M.J. Kaufman Elementary School. Eventually, she moved to Moss Bluff with her family and substituted at Moss Bluff Elementary.

In 2011, she was offered a paraprofessional position at the school by the principal – lovingly called Mr. C – just three days before teacher in-service began; accepting the position wasn’t a hard decision for her to make.

“After being a substitute for regular education, and the SPED section, when the offer came along, I accepted the position because I enjoyed making a difference in the students’ lives.”

Two years later, she moved to College Oaks Elementary for a position as an E/C autism paraprofessional. She was paired with “the greatest person” she could have been teamed up with, Ash Brooke Gotreau.

“We went on to learn from each other and our students, and we became a great team with all of our students.”

Purdy graduated from LaGrange High School in 1972 and has received certification through Lamar University, but Purdy considers herself self-trained. “A lot of that I have learned has been through reading and attending any training classes that I am allowed to attend.”

Much of her skillset was also developed during her time in retail. “While working as a retail manager, I enjoyed training the high school students.” She also gained experience as a girl scout leader and religious class teacher.

As an E/C autism paraprofessional, she assists teachers during lessons and helps to keep her students on task during one-on-one sessions, all while teaching them self-help skills.

With the new school year on the horizon, Purdy will get to experience one of her favorite parts of the job, getting to know her students. Every school year is an opportunity for her to see active progress and fulfilled potential in her students.

“I enjoy seeing new students from the first day. We get to meet them and learn what they comprehend, and then see where they are on the last day of school.”

She said that on a day-to-day basis, she loves “just seeing the spark, the look of understanding” that her students give her.

Ensuring that students have these sparks in turn ensures that they are receiving a solid education. This is paramount to build foundational skills in her students, skills like empathy.

“It shapes students on how to care about everyone, that we all matter no matter who you are.”

As the year progresses, Purdy, her students and her peers become a well-oiled family unit. Her teaching philosophy hinges on the relationships that are formed between every person in the classroom.

“We are a family through and through. No matter what, we all grow together. No matter who we are, staff or students.”

During moments of difficulty or hardship, it is the students that uplift Purdy’s spirits.  “My students have taught me to never give up, we can all grow together when we stop and take the time.”

She believes that all teachers should have a positive, sympathetic outlook. On days that are discouraging, it is important to take into account the trajectory of the students’ growth.

“My advice, don’t look at the negative of what your students aren’t able to do, but think about what they have the possibility to accomplish in nine months, and the future to come.”

While at College Oaks, she has served as a member of the APT program committee and has actively participated in “Say No to Drugs” Red Ribbon Week.

When she isn’t in the classroom helping students achieve their fullest potential, Purdy is enjoying quiet time with her husband, reading, coloring and listening to soft jazz. Sometimes, an adventurous trip is thrown into the mix.

On the best days, she is with her grandchildren.

“My joy is seeing my grandchildren growing up and what they may become in the future.”