Name of staff member: Diane Wyatt

Position in USD #435: AMS Physical Education teacher

Years in this position: 13.

Previous teaching experience: Taught two years in Hutchinson before moving to Abilene 30 years ago. Substitute taught in our district, was a parent educator for Parents As Teachers for nine years. Coached basketball, track, volleyball.

Hometown: Lyons.

What inspired you to go into education? Former teachers were a lot of the inspiration for becoming a teacher. I grew up going to a country grade school, that environment and the teachers were a big part of that decision.

What brought you to Abilene? My husband, Kent got a job here 30 years ago this next summer, at the then First Federal Savings and Loan, which is now Astra Bank. We moved here from Hutchinson with our then 9- month old son, Shawn. We also have a daughter Emily. We both love Abilene and couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.

A memorable teaching moment: There are so many. I teach PE and see kids struggle and continue to try to achieve a goal when it is so hard for them is so rewarding. It is easy to give up, but those who continue to try to get better are an inspiration.

I also have had the opportunity to teach the kids that I had when I was with Parents As Teachers, seeing them as babies and toddlers and then as teenagers has been great.

I also get the opportunity to work with so many great teachers who are so dedicated and inspirational. It’s just great to be a teacher.