Dianne Hope West

Dededo, GU | 7-12, Science, 2021

Biography

Dianne Hope Tormon West has taught science at Okkodo High School for more than nine years, currently teaching Biology and Physics to grades 10-12. She previously taught Biology at John F. Kennedy High School for one year. She has completed research and taught Financial Analysis in Aquaculture with the University of the Philippines-Visayas (UPV) and Southeast Asian Development Center-Aquaculture Department for eight years. Dianne sets high classroom expectations for her students. She allows them to build models, using recycled materials to apply and support science theories. Students build cell structures, robots, cars, bridges, and towers from scraps. She uses Process-Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning activities to let students assume responsibilities in groups. She gives students second chances by allowing them to prove their proficiency in different student-initiated platforms. Dianne invites professionals to speak to students and demonstrate laboratory activities such as paper chromatography, DNA extraction, and electrophoresis. Dianne was named an outstanding biology teacher by the National Association of Biology Teachers in 2016. She has co-authored published articles on sustainable aquaculture. She is also the advisor of Lend Earth a Friend (LEAF) Club, which aims to promote the conservation, protection, and sustainable use of Earth’s resources. She has proposed the addition of the Biology Honors class to the current list of science classes in the public school system in Guam. This class was piloted for the 2022-2023 school year. Dianne earned a B.S. in economics and a master’s in marine affairs, both from UPV. She also earned an M.A.T. from the University of Guam. She is a certified general science teacher in secondary education.

High-resolution version of the teacher profile photograph

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