Announcing the September 2016 Educator Spotlight honorees! Congratulations to our educators.
The Educator Spotlight is a monthly feature on our Catapult Corner Blog. The educators that are highlighted are nominated by their colleagues in recognition of the positive impact they have on children and schools throughout the country. They are our very own shining stars!
- E. Regina Walker – Teacher – Weston, FL
- Diamond Diggs – Teacher – Beltsville, MD
- Alison Weinreb – Coach – Los Angeles, CA
E. Regina Walker – Virtual Teacher
“Regina Walker is a caring, reliable teacher whose dedication to her students is apparent in many ways. Regina was a new addition to the Catapult Academy Virtual Teacher team this year and has proved to be an asset to the program. As an English teacher, Regina takes time to provide constructive and positive feedback on assignments, and offers extra help to each student on an individual basis.” – Robin Poole
- Weston, Florida
- English/Education, Florida Memorial University
Why did you become a teacher?
I became a teacher to positively impact the lives of our youth through learning and literature. Reading has always been the foundation of everything I’ve enjoyed about life. I’ve always wanted to share that wonderful and unique perspective with others.
What do you love most about teaching for Catapult Learning/NESI/SESI?
I love teaching with Catapult Learning because this program provides an opportunity for students to achieve their academic goals while maintaining a flexible work/life balance. The students of Catapult are diversified in talents and abilities, this provides me with a fresh and interesting work experience each and every day!
What is your greatest Catapult Learning/NESI/SESI teaching success story?
It is impossible to narrow down one success story at Catapult Learning as they all are so rewarding. Each day that I’m able to answer a question or provide assistance that leads to a positive pathway to completion resulting in graduation is for me, TRUE SUCCESS! Each student that is able to graduate is able to move to the next part of their life’s journey. I am simply honored and proud to be a part of that journey.
What have you learned from your students?
As a result of working with my wonderful students, I’ve been fortunate to witness true perseverance. There is no challenge that is too great if you remain diligent and persistent in achieving your goals. Catapult students embody and personify these characteristics.
Diamond Diggs – Teacher 
- Weston, Florida
- English/Education, Florida Memorial University
Why did you become a teacher?
I decided to become a teacher because I knew there was a calling in my life to help others. I believe that everyone has the ability to give back to the community and I chose to dedicate my life to education. I believe education is so important to have because it allows you to understand the world that we live in.
What do you love most about teaching for Catapult Learning/NESI/SESI?
What I love most about teaching for Catapult Learning is seeing the positive impact I make on my students on a daily basis.
What is your greatest Catapult Learning/NESI/SESI teaching success story?
My greatest success story was actually last year when I had the opportunity to go to my first High Road School graduation. To be a part of my students journey at High Road School and say “Well done.” To see the joy and tears run down my students face as they enter an entire new world after high school. To see family and friends root on my students who worked so hard to get to that point. That’s my greatest success story.
What have you learned from your students?
I have learned that our past does not determine our future. Everyone can make a bad choice, but it is how we plan to change for the better, that matters the most. Every success story has its ups and downs. When you set your mind to something, nothing is stopping you but yourself.
Alison Weinreb – Coach 
- Los Angeles, California
- English, Stern College and Secondary English Education, Teachers College
What is your prior teaching experience?
Truthfully, I’ve been teaching since I was six years old: First my dolls, then my siblings, then my friends. But, my professional career began as a high school English teacher. I then fell in love with middle school and lived there for 17 years, teaching English, social studies, and executive functioning skills. When I left the classroom I became a private educational tutor and worked for an Ed. therapy company.
Why did you decide to become a coach?
I decided to become a coach after volunteering as one in my children’s school. I realized how much I loved coaching and encouraging teachers, and I loved the feeling that came with the knowledge that every teacher I supported reverberated to tens, if not hundreds of students and parents.
What is your most rewarding Catapult Learning coaching success story?
I am so happy to have been welcomed into the Catapult world, especially because I’ve learned that they believe in coaching their coaches! One of the techniques I’ve learned from my colleagues is the importance of questioning and pushing teachers to examine their own thoughts and ideas before placing a solution in their laps. I feel that this process has led to quite a few instances where teachers I’ve worked with have either found their own way to better practices or have been more ready to hear about them, once they themselves identified the issue.
