Longtime Sisters teacher retires

"I've taught in every building in the school (district)," Diana Prichard reflected as the 2010 school year came to a close.

She started in 1982, when there were considerably fewer buildings to teach in, and has taught more than a generation of Sisters students.

"I've taught English and math both in my time here, and I've been yearbook advisor for 20-some years," she said.

Prichard is a lifelong teacher. She was living in the Willamette Valley when she decided to return to her calling after taking some time off to raise children.

"I really wasn't planning on leaving the Valley, but I heard about the position opening in Sisters," she said.

Prichard's certifications in math and English make her an unusual if not unique teacher.

"She's the only one I know in my career that's both math and language arts at the high school level," said Sisters High School Principal Bob Macauley.

Prichard started the algebra program at Sisters Middle School before moving to the high school when it opened in 1992. According to Macauley, Prichard was key to "acclimatizing the new high school personnel to the culture of the district."

The decision to retire wasn't an easy one, Prichard admits. But she recognized that her dedication to teaching would prevent her from doing other things.

"I have four grandchildren in Japan and two in Portland and I like to travel," she said. "I have a lot of things I want to do and I'm not the kind of person who can just put aside the job to do other things."

She's leaving as storm clouds gather over the district, with a deep budget shortfall threatening programs that have been built up over many years, with a great deal of effort.

"We have such fantastic programs here," she said. "Kids can connect in so many ways."

She will miss her colleagues and is concerned that they will be working in increasingly tough conditions.

"I feel for my colleagues," she said. "They put in so much extra; so much energy. You see them here late at night and on weekends and connecting with kids."

It's Prichard's example that helps inspire such dedication.

"Diana Prichard kind of sets the standard for a conscientious educator," Macauley said. "She's completely dedicated to student performance."

Author Bio

Jim Cornelius, Editor in Chief

Jim Cornelius is editor in chief of The Nugget and author of “Warriors of the Wildlands: True Tales of the Frontier Partisans.” A history buff, he explores frontier history across three centuries and several continents on his podcast, The Frontier Partisans. For more information visit www.frontierpartisans.com.

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