Learning Consultant, Cindy Dietz

I was very pleased to be initiated into Delta Kappa Gamma, Gamma Alpha chapter on April 16, 1995, and sponsored by Sandy Becher. I have been a member of the Finance (audit) Committee, and served as chairperson of the Nomination and the Scholarship Committees. I will become the Corresponding Secretary during the next two years, with a little help from my friends (!).

I did my undergraduate work at Michigan State University, majoring in English and minoring in psychology. I didn’t have many job offers when I graduated in the winter of 1970, so I became a substitute teacher for Garden City Public Schools. Through a friend, I heard of a position at Wayne Memorial in the Upward Bound Program in 1985. This program provides academic aid the high school students with the goal of continuing in some post-secondary educational institution, usually college. We also visited college campuses and attended other enrichment activities. This position, however, wasn’t contractual, and the compensation was below first year teacher level with no seniority or job security.

So I went back to school to obtain a mathematics minor. With that under my belt, I applied for a contracted position in Wayne-Westland in 1991. Imagine my surprise when they called to offer me an English position. That position put me at Adams Junior High School (now Middle School) and in contact with my good friend, Sandy Becher. Through Sandy, I learned about Delta Kappa Gamma and became interested in sharing experiences and expertise with fellow educators.

Now I teach English at Wayne Memorial. I have some students from all grade levels. This is my third year here, and I am happy to be here. This department is full of wonderful teachers who continue to improve their skills and develop the curriculum. I am caught up in that also. I attend workshops whenever possible and am currently involved in a project which is trying to integrate English, Math, and Science. I serve on the Communication Arts Curriculum Committee, the Professional Development Committee and the Gifted/Talented Committee. I am a trainer in Mastery Learning and Dimensions of Learning. I also am currently working on my masters from Marygrove College through the distance learning program. I find it valuable and it gives me additional insight and motivation.

I love to read, do cross-stitch and just ‘veg out’ in front of the TV watching a good movie. My two daughters, 24 and 22, are finally out of the ‘trouble’ period, but they still are not far away. The 22-year-old lives at home, even if she’s not there very often. My husband works for Olender Equipment, refurbishing used restaurant equipment. We own a cottage on Six Mile Lake, near East Jordan, and we love to spend time there when weather permits. My nine-year-old collie, Raggs, rounds out the family.

I feel honored to be involved with the wonderful group of women who I find in Delta Kappa Gamma. You all are an inspiration to me and give me food for thought. I hope to be involved for many years and look forward to the new women I will meet in the future.