Diana Sterle, a new Camas S.T.E.M. teacher for the 2021-22 school year, has been in the academic system for years. She has watched the educational institution adapt over time as well as its advancements in overcoming the recent pandemic. She has switched districts during the midst of Covid’s reign and offers enlightening insight into the aspects of teaching in the modern day.

Sterle has been working in the school system since before technology established its root in education, but according to her, she has always been eager to learn about the newest technological updates and advancements.

“It’s always new learning… new technology…” Sterle said.

Sterle describes herself as one who gets bored of topics easily. This, she says, is why she believes she is able to teach so many subjects in S.T.E.M. The process of learning new concepts is what makes Sterle so eager to teach. 

With this, one of the most important aspects of Sterle’s educational career has been the ability to change, particularly with how different schools have conducted their business amidst the intensity of the pandemic. 

“Different districts have different strategies,” Sterle said. 

Sterle has still had a fair amount of experience in the district. Both of her children have either attended or still attend Camas High School. However, even though she has worked alongside her kids, this is her first year teaching a class in the district after teaching at Battle Ground.

The past year was difficult for everyone but even for a teacher with illustrious technical experience, Zoom seemed to get the best of Sterle. 

“Zoom is not a way to learn, it was just as hard on teachers as it was on students…teaching to a screen of icons that never answer back, it was just… just crushing,” Sterle said. 

According to Sterle, there are many differences between the two school districts in ways other than Covid. 

“I’d almost say that Camas has a little less focus on social interactions,” Sterle said. 

Every school has been experiencing similar circumstances for more than the past year-and-a-half, with varied approaches and results. Despite her experience in schools and massive technology background, Sterle continues to learn and adjust to the ever-changing world of education.