Meet Dianne Fulton. She is a Science Discovery Teacher at Old Settlers Elementary. Dianne teaches every student, K – 5. They rotate to her in the Fine Arts schedule. Her mission is to create a love for learning science in elementary students through the use of science inquiry; helping all students realize the ongoing relevance of science in their everyday lives and to become scientifically literate. Dianne’s lessons provide inquiry- based experiences allowing students to develop knowledge and skills to investigate the natural world and science phenomenon by acting, thinking, and communicating like scientists. Check out her Twitter page at Twitter OSE Science Discovery. She posts a lot of photos that will give insight into her work.
Dianne has been teaching a long time and she inspires many because she still has a lot of passion for her job and her students. Her creative and positive spirit is fun to watch!
Please tell us a little bit about your family. I am married and have two grown sons. Tyler is a professional strength and conditioning coach and trains college and professional athletes. He also coaches elite girls youth hockey. Bo is project manager for an engineering company.
Please tell us about your current business/career. What do you love most about what you do? I teach Science Discovery to Kindergarten through fifth grade. I love that it is an enrichment class, and I get to help kids learn to investigate nature and science phenomenon.
Q: What inspired you or led you to your current career?
A: Years ago, I worked in the service industry as an event planner. However, after having my son, I searched for a more family friendly career. I have been in education for over 30 years in the area, teaching special education, third and fourth grade, and writing curriculum for math and science. Science education is a passion of mine, so I was excited to accept the Science Discovery position at Old Settlers two years ago.
Q: What is the most unusual job you ever had?
A: My first job as a teenager was as a snack bar cashier at a roller rink. At the end of my first day, as I was thinking I was getting ready to go home, my manager handed me a mop and bucket and told me to go clean both restrooms. I remember thinking that was not what I signed up for, ha-ha.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community and what do you love to eat/drink there?
A: We love Luna Grill’s chicken, salad, pita bread, and hummus and Anamia’s for tableside guacamole and brisket tacos.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
A: We have been in the Highland Village and Flower Mound area for over 30 years. I have been with Lewisville ISD for 25 years.
Q: Where did you grow up?
A: My husband and I both grew up in Springfield, Ohio. It is also the hometown of John Legend.
Q: Was there anything interesting/challenging/unusual you want to share that shaped you into who you are today?
A: I grew up with a large loving, supportive family. We all lived close and got together multiple times a week for dinner, kids’ sporting events, etc. creating many wonderful memories.
Q: Do you have a hobby or interest that you enjoy?
A: I love to read, cook, decorate my home, and take walks. I enjoy container gardening. My sons are hockey players, so I always enjoy watching them play or coach.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
A: I think that Dr. Rogers, superintendent of LISD, is one of our local treasures. He seems to have a heart of gold, cares deeply about building a strong community to educate our children, and has continued the vision through this difficult time.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? And why?
A: I have traveled and lived across the US, but have not been to northern California, Oregon, and Washington state. I would love to visit the Redwood Forest and the northwest.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows? What is the first movie you remember seeing in the theater?
A: The Wizard of Oz is probably one of my all time favorites. I don’t watch much TV, but loved Friends and Will and Grace. I think my first movie was The Barefoot Executive with Kurt Russell.
Q: Where do you love to shop in Flower Mound?
A: Some local favorites are Pier 1, World Market, Stein Mart, Target, Home Goods, Hobby Lobby.
Q: What is go-to band or favorite music when you can’t decide what to listen to?
A: I love music and listen to everything. I always love the Eagles and Garth.
Q: What current / former local business makes you the most nostalgic about Denton County?
A: I lived in Highland Village with my parents when the only store on 407 was McGee’s. We shopped Tom Thumb on Main where Big Lots is now, Mama’s Pizza, and Braum’s for a treat.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you take them for lunch?
A: Jane Goodall, I have always admired her work and special dedication to caring for the earth and all creatures. We would go to Luna Grill for a salad, hold the meat, of course.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about Denton County?
A: I think our community is special in the way we provide for our children. After teaching in Flower Mound for my entire career, it does not escape me how much our community cares about the education of our children. The support I have felt over the years from the parents of my students has always been a blessing to me.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?
A: I would love to continue to inspire young scientists through my position at OSE. I would also really love a GRAND BABY! 🙂
Q: (Even for friends and family) What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
A: That I am a crazy bird watcher and have binoculars handy when I’m outside. Also, that if I had an alternate career, I would be a makeup artist.
Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
A: Safe, Cozy, and Lots of laughter.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
A: Many, but all that come to mind involve natural beauty, like the ocean, mountains, or forests.
Q: If you were cast in a movie and could choose your costar, who would it be? Who would you want to play “you”?
A: My costar would be Dennis Quaid, not sure about me.
Q: Favorite month? holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
A: I love fall in Texas. My favorite month is October, but my favorite day is Christmas Eve. I love focusing on the birth of Christ and the family time without distractions.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A: Being a mom and my cat, Mr. Kitty. 🙂
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
A: The memory of my parents, my family, my students, and coworkers.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
A: Mine are seasonal, campfire, pumpkin, and cinnamon in fall and winter, coconut, citrus, and lavender in spring and summer.
Q: Are you involved in anything or any community groups that you really enjoy outside of work and family life?
A: I am involved with a large network of educators through social media. I love connecting with and learning from teachers across the country and world.
Q: What advice would you give a crowd of people (general crowd or crowd of young people)?
A: Take time for reflection, think about your strengths, connect with people you admire, be a lifelong learner, don’t be afraid to ask for help, be prepared to adjust to change.
Q: Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
A: My mom had two that are still my favorites. For times of struggle, “This too shall pass” and for work ethic she had a little magnet on the refrigerator “God provides every bird its food, but doesn’t throw it in the nest.”
Q: What 3 words do you think your favorite people would use to describe you?
A: My sons said, “Energetic, Enthusiastic, and Bossy”, ha-ha!
Q: If you could have a super power what would it be?
A: Speed cleaning.
Q: Who would you like to nominate for this project, The Faces of Flower Mound?
A: Carrie Cooper.
Q: What book have you enjoyed reading the most during the last year?
A: The Tattooist of Auschwitz and Cilka’s Journey.
Q: If you had a full time staff member that was fully paid for who would you choose? Chef, Housekeeper, Driver, Coach, Physical Fitness Trainer or Nanny?
A: Housekeeper.
