Dianne’s Biography
My name is Dianne Nichols. I have been an educator for 30 years--yes, 30! Although most of my career has been with the Cardiff School District in San Diego, I have also been an elementary teacher in Palo Alto, Berkeley, and Jackson Hole, Wyoming--in a red log schoolhouse, no less! Since 1978, my roles in the Cardiff District have ranged from teacher of kindergarten and primary grades to sixth grade. Currently I teach social studies, art, and technology to five classes of sixth graders each day.
Ten years ago I stepped into administration in Cardiff as site principal at Ada Harris School. I found this position to be highly rewarding and exciting, but I was struggling with the fact that my three-year-old daughter also needed my attention. After three years, I asked the board to accept my resignation and I returned to a classroom assignment at Ada Harris School.
My decision brought new opportunities that I never would have thought possible! Our district made the learning of technology a high priority and it has changed my life!! Six years ago I was terrified to use a computer and knew so little that I would ask my seven-year-old what to do next. Since then, my technology skills have grown. I am currently a GATE/technology mentor teacher, offer university credit classes to teachers in the area of technology, and am a technology presenter for the San Diego County Office of Education.