INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK: DiAnna Neilson of Bridgewater Middle

DiAnna Neilson is the Peer Counseling 1 and 2 instructor for social emotional learning and the Research Literacy instructor with a focus on intensive reading skills at Bridgewater Middle School. Under the direction of Principal Amy Klaber, she oversees a Peer Pal program where selected students push into various classes to assist peers with disabilities.

The (Peer Pals) program has shown a huge impact on those students who needed a confidence boost or a friend to lean on to help get the work accomplished or clarification during a lesson,” Klaber said. “Ms. Neilson is helping others show what it means to live a Bobcat life and to help make a positive difference in our community.”

Neilson was named Teacher of the Year for 2022-23.

What brought you to your school?

Bridgewater Middle School is actually situated close to my home, and my own kids were zoned for BMS. I genuinely wanted to give back to my community and be close to my own children.

What do you love most about your school?

I love the kids! They are loaded with so much life and positivity. I enjoy being around them and feeding off of their positive energy.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

I love to see students reaching out to other students who might need a friend or some extra support. I feel like when students realize how different we all are but how much we truly need each other, magic happens. It’s really rewarding to witness.

What would you be if you weren’t in this profession?

All I really care about in life is lifting others. If I weren’t a teacher, I would probably want to help somehow in the prison system with individuals who may have made mistakes to find a way forward.

Who influences you?

I respect all religions and people’s beliefs but for me, the person who influences me the most is Jesus Christ. He has taught me to be kind, compassionate, patient, loving and forgiving. I try to pattern my life after His.

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why?

My favorite teacher was my elementary music teacher, Pam McLendon. She put her whole heart and soul into everything that she did and consequently, had a huge impact on me.

What is your favorite children’s book and why?

“Where the Sidewalk Ends” has always been my favorite children’s book. I love the imaginative, fun poems and crazy cool ink drawings. To this day, it still reels me in.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I enjoy baking and card making. I also enjoy watching fun movies with my family, going out to dinner, getting caramel coated apples at Disney Springs, and swimming in my community pool in the summers!

If you could dine with any famous person, past or present, who would it be and why?

I would love to have a conversation with Neil Armstrong. I would want to know what it was like to walk on the moon.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

I would choose Super Stamina! Then, I would never get tired and be able to attend all of the band concerts, orchestra concerts, guitar concerts, choir concerts, musicals, and games that the Bridgewater kids invite me to.

If you could only listen to three bands or artists, who would they be and why?

Sinatra, Sinatra, Sinatra. From the time that I was a child, I’ve always loved Frank. I enjoy all of his music and especially love his Christmas album.

What was your go-to lunch and favorite snack as an elementary student?

I’ve always been a peanut butter person! My lunch was always peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and snacks were usually peanut butter on celery sticks.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

Christmas and Easter have always been my favorite holidays. I’m also a huge fan of Valentine’s Day because it’s all about spreading love to others.

Who was your best friend when you were in school and why? Are you still in touch?

One of my best friends that I met in kindergarten was named Elizabeth Beifuss. We always got along, laughed a lot, and one year my dad took us on an epic trip to Disneyland for my birthday where we rode Thunder Mountain multiple times. We are still in touch to this day.

What were your extracurricular activities as a student? Did you win any accolades or honors?

From the time that I was very young, I always loved to sing. I loved to perform in little school productions and eventually enjoyed singing in the Varsity Choir at Chaparral High School in Las Vegas.

How long have you been at your school and with OCPS?

My family relocated to Florida from Las Vegas almost 10 years ago. My first year in Orange County, I taught at Robinswood Middle School, and then the last nine years have all been at Bridgewater.