A Portage Life in The Spotlight: Diane Samardzija

Diane-SamardzjaDiane Samardzja, the Reading Teacher at Myers Elementary School, has always lived in Northwest Indiana. She grew up in St. John, currently resides in Crown Point, and works in Portage. Diane has been exposed to many influential teachers throughout her lifetime and knew from a young age that was exactly what she wanted to be.

“I always knew I wanted to be a teacher, ever since I was in kindergarten. My Mom was a teacher, and I saw how much she loved teaching her students. I knew that was exactly what I wanted to do. My Mom is my role model, and I wanted to pursue what I loved, just like her,” stated Samardzija.

From kindergarten, Diane encountered a handful of influential teachers that continued to inspire her to pursue her dream, including her fifth grade teacher at Kolling Elementary School in St. John, Mrs. Karen Semancik.

“My fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Semancik, made such a difference in my life. She positively influenced me, and I knew that I really wanted to be like her.”

From elementary and middle school, Diane attended high school at Lake Central High School, then continued her education and dream by obtaining a four year teaching degree at Indiana University Northwest.

From there, Diane became an assistant teacher at Lake Central High School for a couple of years before she accepted her first full-time teaching job at Myers Elementary School in Portage as the Reading Teacher ten years ago.

As the Reading Teacher, Diane works closely with students who are in need of a little extra help in reading.

“I am in charge of the title one pull-out reading program at Myers Elementary School where I work with struggling readers to provide intervention to them in a small group setting.”

Outside of school time, Diane also plans family reading nights twice a year to bring the students and families together to read.

“Twice a year, throughout the school year, I provide family reading nights where we invite our families to come in and enjoy reading activities to foster the love of reading with our students,” stated Samardzija.

Diane’s passion of teaching surely stands out with everything she does to help students learn and succeed in reading, all while having fun, especially with the family-oriented events as well.

“I inspire to positively educate the heart and mind of my students because that is what is important to me,” said Samardzija.

Even though Diane grew up and attended school in St. John, she loves the Portage Township School Corporation and community.

“I love the Portage Township School Corporation, the administration, the staff I work with, the students and their families are all truly phenomenal.”

Outside of teaching, Diane enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, baking, and vacationing to Disney World.