Hello! I am Diana Donnel the collaborative teacher with Mrs. Crain’s 2nd grade class. I was born in El Paso, TX but lived almost all my life in San Antonio, TX. I graduated from St. Mary’s University with a Bachelors of Science in Biology and minored in Chemistry with a Public Health Certification. From the time I was a kid, I always knew I wanted to help people and I thought I could do that as a doctor but realized I could do the same, if not more, in teaching.

In elementary school, I struggled with reading and comprehension and at the time there were not many accommodations for students like me. With the experiences I have had, I have a passion for supporting all students in their learning journey. My mom inspired me to go into teaching because she spent over 20 years as an elementary school counselor. I got to see first hand what it looks like to be dedicated to your work and pour into the students, their families, and the community. 

This led to me to substituting at Kay Franklin Elementary in San Antonio, TX. For those two years, I held long-term substitute positions in 2nd, 4th, and 5th grades and I was also completing my alternative certification through Texas Teachers of Tomorrow. 

Throughout my time at Kay Franklin Elementary School, teaching came naturally to me and most of all, I fell in love with the collaborative classes and students. It was very rewarding to be able to build many great relationships with teachers and parents, but most importantly, to see the growth in the students that I worked with. I know I can make an impact and build their confidence up in the subjects that they are struggling in. 

I am so excited to meet you all!