Title: Educator
Company: Owatonna Public Schools
Location: Faribault, Minnesota, United States
Diane Larson, Educator at Owatonna Public Schools, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Educators for dedication, achievements, and leadership in academic administration and elementary education.
Mrs. Larson grew up on a farm without electricity or running water, and managed to graduate high school early and attend college. While presently retired from her full-time teaching and principal position, she remains involved in her local schools as a substitute teacher. Mrs. Larson always felt that she needed to serve others and do something to help children learn and grow. Her focus has always been education. Education is a way out of poverty for everyone, and she knew if she could do that for herself she could do it for others as well. Mrs. Larson attributes her success to her passion for public education. She wanted to make a difference in students, parents and other educator’s lives. She always thought of the “us” not the “me.”
In order to help improve the lives of so many children, Mrs. Larson first earned a Bachelor of Science from Valley City University in 1964. She later received a Master of Science from Mankato State University in 1977 and an EdS from the University of Minnesota in 1987. With her own high regard for education, she was able to instill the same feelings in her students and hopes that her former students and colleagues remember her as an honest and helping person. Prior to her retirement, she served as a reading specialist and was principal of the Owatonna Public Schools from 1988 to 1998. Her teaching career began in 1962, where she taught at Cokato Elementary School. Mrs. Larson has also taught at Lakeview Elementary School and Wheaton High School.
In 1990, Mrs. Larson was recognized as Woman of the Year by the Owatonna Business and Professional Women organization. She considers running for an elected office as one of the many highlights of her career. She met many interesting people while in a position of leadership. Mrs. Larson was elected to the NEA Board of Directors and to the Board of Directors of the International Literacy Association. She currently serves as the President of the Women’s Club of Owatonna and has also been involved with the Minnesota Education Association, the Minnesota Reading Association, the Minnesota Elementary Principals Association and the Valley City State University Alumni Association.
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