My name is Diana Stender. She is a candidate for the Tyler County Board of Education. I grew up in Powhatan Point, Ohio and attended school there until my senior year, when it merged with River High School. After graduation, I attended Ohio University and earned a bachelor's degree in sociology. After college, I was blessed with a teaching position in Tyler County and never looked back. While teaching, I furthered my education at West Virginia University and earned a master's degree as a reading specialist. All three of my children – Mario Stender, Anna Rosa Hopkins, and Haley Zapata – graduated from Tyler University.
I have been with Tyler County Schools for 49 years. I taught at Ellsworth Middle School for 18 years and at Tyler Consolidated High School for 17 years. I coached middle school girls basketball, track and field, and cheerleading. I was the varsity cheer coach at Tyler County High School and then worked in the cheer program at Tyler Consolidated High School for a total of 23 years. I participated in her 1993 integration and helped establish a lifelong tradition that is important to all past and future graduates.
Since retiring in 2010, I have been an active substitute teacher in every school in the county. I have been a long-term sub for TCHS many times. If you have children who have graduated or are currently in high school, they probably know about me. I care about our students and our school system.
The world is changing rapidly and I believe it is more important than ever to be mindful and aware of what is happening in our communities and schools. We may not be able to change the state of the world, but we can make a difference right where we are. My students won first place at the state social studies fair with a project titled: “We can make a difference.” If I am elected to the Tyler County School Board, I promise to do everything I can to make a difference. I stand up for what's right. I have always been based on conservative Christian principles. Let's unite to do what we can in our part of this world!!
my educational philosophy
The members of the Board of Education are “gatekeeper” For schools and children. If elected, I will be the county's voice in public education. I will work hard with others to maintain a successful future for our children by adopting sound and strong ethical policies. I will work with the community to improve student outcomes. I become visible and transparent and become your voice!!
