George ChristopolousFilm Composers Agency - Owner
Dianne is one-of-a-kind professional. She consistently commits her full energy to every project she gets involved with, and her enthusiasm drives the rest of the team to hop in and share the experience of putting together challenging projects.
I was lucky enough to collaborate with her on the first Film Festival she pulled together for the American College of Izmir, and the result was an extremely satisfying experience for everyone; the students with their films, the guests and the jury members. I'd love to work with her again! Lauren Papot
IB Visual Arts teacher
Dianne is a multi-talented teacher who is a true asset to her school community. In the three years I've known her, Dianne has led guest seminars about photography in my classroom, created a remarkably professional Film Festival that garnered entries from around the country, collaborated with me to develop an assembly that showcases IB Group 6 subjects, and so much more.
As a colleague, I find Dianne's expertise and teaching style very motivating. She's the kind of teacher and colleague who inspires those around her to do more, be more, and create more; she's not afraid to burn the midnight oil to develop a technique or perfect a school-wide presentation. She's a dedicated, hard-working teacher, and this shows itself in the quality of her students work and her personal work. Dianne is a skillful English teacher and IB Film teacher, in addition to being a very capable visual artist. This is especially true of her photography, drawing and painting skills. Perhaps what's most special about Dianne is that she provides the rare combination of being an effective, conscientious teacher, as well as a capable and passionate artist. Whether teaching English, Film, or Visual Arts, Dianne illuminates her students' classroom experience, develops their competence, and significantly enriches our school culture. Dianne is a gem of a teacher, and we've been very lucky to have her at ACI. Eda Aganoglu
Former IB film student
Since Ms. St. Clair's film classes, my perception has changed about every film I’ve watched. My vision simply expanded. Instead of merely enjoying a movie on Friday nights, I try to understand the camera angles, analyze the scenes, and most importantly I think about the socio-historical context. What she taught us was beyond class, it was pushing us to develop our own perceptions.
I remember how she helped me while I was having obstacles in writing my extended essay, if it wasn’t her, I would not have stayed motivated. She showed me how to think further and achieve my goals with patience and dedication. I wholeheartedly believe that choosing a mentor is much more important than choosing a class. She was such a great mentor to me, and showed me the beauties in hard work. Currently, as assistant of chief innovation officer at Hult International Business School, London, I am editing educational videos that teachers send me. They offered me this internship just because I know how to use FinalCut ProX, which I mastered in high school, thanks to Ms. St Clair. I’m still using all the technical knowledge that I gained, and referring to the theoretical knowledge while having intellectual discussions. Not all teachers can achieve both being friendly and being professional near students, but this is just natural for Ms. St. Clair due to her positive mind and heart. I am very glad to have been her student. Defne
Former English student, American Collegiate Institute
English classes can be dull and difficult, but with Ms. St Clair's contagious enthusiasm, everything becomes fun. She educates in the most creative ways; for example, such as with spectacular powerpoints, flashy videos, and colorful activities teaching about everything from developing confidence in speaking to writing an essay. She encourages us to write and develop our own style. Ms. St Clair is the reason I want to become a book translator, perhaps even a book translator one day.
Dr. William ForstchenProfessor of History and NY Times best selling author
When Dianne St. Clair asked if I would offer a few comments about her professional capabilities I of course replied with an enthusiastic yes. With forty years of experience in the field of education, and a career as an author which would eventually lead to several New York Times best sellers, I can offer a clear perspective on Ms. St. Clair's professional abilities.
I met Ms. St. Clair, when she was in her final year of her secondary education program. I sat in on a few of her classes as a student teacher, and across the next four years often visited her classes to discuss my career as an author. Besides teaching, I was also observing and what I observed was a phenomenal educator. I could see she definitely had "The Right Stuff' as she demonstrated knowledge of content, exceptional skill with her connectivity to her students, and an over all demeanor of the highest professional quality. I subscribe to the opinion that folks can be trained to be a teacher, but what is indeed a rare gift are those who have that inner spark, a combination of passion for their subject combined with the ability to reach students and to earn their respect and love. Those qualities define Ms. St. Clair. I need not add here that to look at her resume reveals a remarkable range of experiences that would bring to any school a truly global perspective. An institution that hires her will be well rewarded by such a brilliant addition to their faculty. See more endorsements @https://www.linkedin.com/in/diannestclair/ |