TEACHER: Diane Lump

SCHOOL: Stapleton Elementary School

SUBJECTS TAUGHT: Alabama Reading Initiative Coach

SOMETHING UNUSUAL ABOUT YOURSELF: I am of German descent, so my maternal grandfather lived in Germany during World War II. My father, in the US Army and not yet married to my mother, actually captured my grandfather during the war. As you may imagine, my grandfather upon meeting his soon to be son-in-law, was less than pleased.

As an Alabama Reading Initiative Coach, Diane Lump works with kindergarten through third graders, and gives support in reading to the teachers and students.

“I would work side by side with the teacher, modeling lessons and strategies that would help in reading,” Lump says. “Together we look at data results from various programs in reading and work on a plan to address the needs of all the children. It is a joint effort dedicated to improving instruction, helping teachers grow and raising student achievement.”

Stapleton and Delta Elementary School have many experts and Lump is here to support them in every way possible.  

“Through collaboration, we can share our strengths and strengthen our weak areas, Lump says. “This can happen when we are giving the opportunity for peer coaching.”

Lump has previously taught at the parochial schools in Mobile for eight years. She taught first, third and sixth grade.

“In 1987, I moved to Baldwin County and began teaching at Stapleton Elementary School,” she says. “I taught two years in a fourth and fifth grade combination before moving to first grade. In 2005, I became the ARI Coach.”

Lump has always loved teaching.

“I remember as a child playing school with my stuffed animals,” she says. “I had a chalkboard easel and I would draw and explain the stages of a rocket ship as it went into space. Why I chose this over the alphabet? I have no idea; maybe it was the era.”

Lump’s favorite part about teaching is one of the building blocks of a child’s education.

“I love watching a child smile when they see they can read or when they finally get it,” she says. “I also love my hugs.”

When Lump isn’t teaching, she loves to spend time at her family’s bay house in Lillian. She likes to go to the beach and occasionally makes jewelry.