Dyane Smokorowski
USD 385 Andover Public Schools
Andover, KS USA
"Whenever you hear people try to tear you down because they think you dream too big or your ideas are just a little too crazy, that’s just the noise, that is not you."
Career Roadmap
Dyane's work combines: Education, Technology, and Teaching / Mentoring
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
Don't let people tear you down. There is something that happens when you become a new teacher where you feel like everyone is trying to bring you down. That is just the noise, that is not you. Whenever people try to bring you down because they think you dream to big or that your ideas are too crazy, don't listen to them.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Education, General
Wichita State University
Graduate Degree
Technology Teacher Education/Industrial Arts Teacher Education
MidAmerica Nazerene University
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
From the age of four, I knew I wanted to be a teacher—I attended Wichita State University where I received my bachelor’s degree in education.
2.
Joined the Disney College Program where I got the opportunity to work in the parks and interact with children of all ages from all over the world.
3.
Started out thinking that I wanted to teach younger students, but after my student teaching experience, I discovered that I was more passionate about teaching middle school.
4.
In 2001, during my third year teaching, the superintendent started having me train teachers on how to utilize various technologies in the classroom.
5.
Discovered that by merging my interests in education and technology, I could help teachers make a bigger impact on their students.
6.
Attended MidAmerica Nazarene University, where I received my master’s degree in educational technology.
7.
I now work full time in professional development for teachers as the technology and innovation lead teacher for the Andover Public School District in Andover, Kansas.
8.
In 2013, I was named Kansas Teacher of the Year, and in 2019, I became a National Teacher Hall of Fame Inductee.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Society in general:
You dream too big! Your ideas are too crazy!
How I responded:
Don't let people tear you down. There is something that happens when you become a new teacher where you feel like everyone is trying to bring you down. That is just the noise, that is not you. Whenever people try to bring you down because they think you dream to big or that your ideas are too crazy, don't listen to them.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I have a parent who suffers from bipolar depression. Growing up, there were times that they wouldn't leave the bed and there were other times where they would spend so much money that we would have to move a lot in order to escape creditors, etc.
As a teacher, you run into a lot of challenges. Every student has a story and some of those stories can be dark. You worry about them and you do everything you can to support and help them. I had to learn to empower them to help themselves.