Diana Duncan
Centertown,MO
Summary
Passionate Science Teacher with experience in creating engaging lesson plans adhering to state curriculum standards. Strengths include developing innovative ways for students to explore scientific concepts, fostering collaborative learning environment and promoting critical thinking skills. Notable impact made in previous roles includes improving student engagement and understanding of science principles, as well as encouraging interest in STEM fields.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Science Teacher
Columbia Public Schools
Columbia, USA
08.2011 - 06.2025
- Educated middle school students in science and STEM projects using NGSS standards.
- Designed hands-on projects that connected scientific concepts to students' everyday lives.
- Led the Science Olympiad team as coach for 5 years.
- Provided guidance to colleagues and student teachers to improve instructional practices.
- Created educational experiences that enhanced students' life skills and workplace readiness.
- Curriculum development work with MU Science Education
Interim State 4-H Youth Development Specialist
4-H Center for Youth Development – University of Missouri Extension
06.2006 - 06.2011
- Revitalized the recognition program – Increased participation in state recognition program from 60 to 374 members.
- Enhanced Legislative Academy program – Fostered partnerships with state agencies, policy makers, and donors.
- Provide program development, recruitment, and fiscal management of Legislative Academy, National 4-H Congress, and National 4-H Conference events.
- Evaluated curriculum and publication resources – Developed new resources enhancing support for field staff, volunteers, and members.
- Reorganized publication and project web page to increase marketing and awareness of resources.
- Utilized statements from feedback forms to showcase overall impact of 4-H program, effectively marketing to future partners and donors.
- Evaluation of program concludes that delegates have increased skills regarding citizenship awareness, communication, and marketing.
4-H Youth Development Educator
University of Missouri Extension – Boone County
06.2004 - 06.2006
- Promotion of 4-H programming through traditional club program and activities
- Increased membership to 650 members and engaged 550 volunteers to strengthen community involvement.
- Facilitated operations for 14 4-H clubs and 7 Clover Kid clubs to enhance member engagement.
- Delivered education and training sessions for volunteers and partners to enhance program effectiveness and engagement.
- Fostered positive relationships among 4-H, FFA, and local fair board to enhance collaborative efforts.
- Coached three national judging teams representing the state of Missouri.
- Provide programming to the Boone County Jr. Leaders
Agriculture Education Instructor
Boonslick Technical Education Center
Boonville, USA
07.2000 - 06.2004
- Developed lessons, hands-on activities, and educational experiences to enhance students' understanding of subject matter and impart valuable life skills.
- Taught courses in horticulture, animal science, advanced animal science, welding, agronomy, floral design, and exploring agriculture while advising the FFA organization to foster student engagement and learning.
- Coordinated projects such as Valentine’s Day Plant Sale, landscaping activities, food science experiments, and construction of an outdoor classroom to provide practical learning experiences for students.
Education
Master of Science - Agriculture Education
University of Missouri – Columbia
Columbia05-2000
Masters of Education -
University of Missouri – Columbia
Columbia05-2000
Bachelor of Science Degree - Animal Science
University of Missouri – Columbia
Columbia05-1993
Skills
- STEM instruction
- Curriculum development
- Science curriculum design
- Assessment strategies
- Program evaluation
- Classroom management
- Educational technology
- Science communication
- STEM education
Certification
- Missouri Teacher Certification in General Science Education
- Missouri Teacher Certification in Agriculture Education
- Missouri Certification for Substitute Teacher
- MU Institutional Review Board - completed human subjects research training
- Building Strong Families – certified trainer
- Show Me Quality Assurance Program – certified trainer
- 4-H Volunteer Orientation - trainer
Professional Development
- SHOW- ME CAREERS, 06/22 & 06/23, Enhanced understanding of career opportunities in the Columbia area for students.
- Teton Summer Science Trip, 06/18, Traveled to the Teton Science School with students and served as a chaperone.
- Place Based Education Workshop 1.2, 04/09-04/10/18, Gained understanding on how to make simple changes in curriculum design.
- National Science Teacher Association Conference, 12/03-12/04/15, Engaged in learning new curriculum strategies and hands-on activities.
- New Staff Orientation for Youth Development Faculty and Staff, 10/07-10/09, Training of new staff about 4-H programming areas.
Activities
- Show Me Careers Educators Experience Team 2023
- Show Me Careers Educators Experience 2022
- STOM- Science Teachers of Missouri Member
- CMNEA Member
- National Association of Extension 4-H Agent Conference Proposal Reviewer
- National 4-H Curriculum Summit
- Missouri Association of Extension 4-H Youth Workers
- National Association of Extension 4-H Agents
- University of Missouri Extension Agents
- Missouri Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association (MVATA)
- MVATA Curriculum and Resources Committee- Sec. 2001, Chairman 2002
- MVATA Area VI – Secretary 2002-2003, Vice President 2003-2004
- MVATA Ideas Unlimited Award Winner 2002, 2003
- Boonslick Technical Education Center Curriculum Coordinator (2000 – 2004)
- MIZZOU Alumni
Timeline
Science Teacher
Columbia Public Schools
08.2011 - 06.2025
Interim State 4-H Youth Development Specialist
4-H Center for Youth Development – University of Missouri Extension
06.2006 - 06.2011
4-H Youth Development Educator
University of Missouri Extension – Boone County
06.2004 - 06.2006
Agriculture Education Instructor
Boonslick Technical Education Center
07.2000 - 06.2004
Master of Science - Agriculture Education
University of Missouri – Columbia
Masters of Education -
University of Missouri – Columbia
Bachelor of Science Degree - Animal Science
University of Missouri – Columbia