Diane Royer has been teaching middle school mathematics at IKM School in Manilla, IA since 2007. She previous taught at the St. Lawrence Center of the Kuemper Catholic School System in Carroll, IA, from 2003 to 2007. Before that, she taught mathematics, reading, social studies, science, spelling, and computer science for three years at Holy Trinity School in Templeton, IA. Since 2002 she has served as an online facilitator for the PBS TeacherLine mathematics, technology, and inquiry-based learning courses. She is also currently vice president, middle school of the Iowa Council of Teachers of Mathematics.
A mark of Ms. Royer’s professionalism and excellent teaching skills is the praise she has received from colleagues who are also parents of her students. Parents report that Ms. Royer continually finds ways to motivate the students so that they are successful in learning. They describe her as a person with great character and a wonderful example to her students.
Ms. Royer has presented math sessions at the annual Iowa Council of Teachers of Mathematics Winter Conference and at the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Regional Conference. Technologies she has brought into the classroom range from podcasts to advanced calculators. She is constantly tapping into students’ technological knowledge for new ideas, believing that students are “digital natives.”
A previous State finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, she received the Golden Apple Award in 2002.
Ms. Royer has a B.A. in elementary school education from the University of Northern Iowa and a middle school endorsement from Viterbo University. She is currently enrolled in a master’s degree program at Viterbo University. She also is taking graduate-level courses at Drake University.