The Profile | October 2022

ACCEPTING THE CHALLENGE

by Kelly Tomas

DIANE WALKER doesn’t shy away from challenges. So two years ago, when Lower School Head Shonda Caines asked for a volunteer to teach an accelerated group of students during their 4th- and 5th-grade years, Ms. Walker was the first to raise her hand.

A VETERAN TEACHER of 23 years, Ms. Walker knows that equipping students to reach their full potential sometimes means tailoring academics to encourage specific God-given gifts. In 2020, this particular group of students displayed exceptional skills in math, so at the end of their third-grade year, Ms. Caines worked with Ms. Walker to create a plan to challenge these students through the end of elementary school. “It’s really important to take these kids as far as they can go and customize what they’re doing,” Ms. Walker said. “If not, they get bored because they think on a different level.”

MS. WALKER SAID it’s easier for students at a higher level to do math in their heads, but that can cause problems when they need to show their work. She tried to instill in her students the importance of not just getting correct answers but also thinking through the steps and asking good questions—a process made easier through small group interaction. “They loved working together,” she said. “They didn’t sit around and wait on me. They actually helped each other instead of trying to figure it out on their own, which is a really valuable tool.”

SMALL GROUP LEARNING encourages students to work together and allows teachers to meet their students at their point of need. While CCS created an advanced math class for this particular group of students, Ms. Walker said all Lower School teachers differentiate learning for reading and math. “We’re always challenging those who need more and remediating lessons for those who need additional support.”

WHETHER TEACHING accelerated math to 5th graders or the basics in kindergarten, Ms. Walker said she really tries to connect with students. Knowing her students and having fun motivates them. “Learning, especially in the Lower School, just happens,” she said. “When students are developmentally ready, they will learn. But when they’re secure and happy, that’s when you can really challenge them.” Inspiring students to learn is one challenge Mrs. Walker will always accept.

The best part about teaching this group of students was the CAMARADERIE. From the get-go, they all supported and encouraged one another. They CHALLENGED each other, but they always helped each other out.

In September 2022, Diane Walker was recognized as News Channel 9’s Tennessee Lottery Educator of the Week. Diane is married to Johnny, and they have two children. Their son, Elliot, is a senior at CCS, and their daughter, Dixie, graduated in 2020.

OCTOBER | 2022

CHATTANOOGA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Although Ms. Walker has taught a variety of grades, she really enjoys Kindergarten. “It’s a totally different level of teaching. I love that when Kindergarteners play they’re learning, but they don’t even realize it.”

Learn how Diane Walker challenged and motivated a group of Lower School students who excelled in math.