• About Mrs. Denise Olivas Diaz...

    Position: 8th Grade ELA Teacher

    Team/Department: ELA: B-House

    Room: B-1

    Phone: 480-883-5737

    Email: Mrs. Denise Olivas Diaz

    Mrs. Denise Olivas Diaz

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    Welcome!

    Hi Firebirds!

    Welcome to 8th Grade ELA. I am looking forward to having you in our class this year. We will be using Google Classroom throughout the year as we continue to develop your skills in English Language Arts.

    Adults--please feel free to reach out with any questions about your student.

    También hablo español.

    My Education and Professional Background

    This is my 8th year at Willis Junior High School, but my 14th year as an educator. Before Willis, I was a high school teacher in Mesa. 

    I am a product of Chandler Unified School District; I enrolled as a preschooler and graduated from Chandler High School. I then went on to earn an Associate of Arts degree from Chandler-Gilbert Community College, a Bachelor of English Education from Arizona State University, and a Master of Education in Bilingual/Multicultural Education with an emphasis in English as a Second Language from Northern Arizona University. 

    My Educational Philosophy

    As someone who grew up in a single-parent, low-income household, it is my belief and practice that every child should be given the opportunity to thrive in an educational setting. I aim to show my students that they can be successful--however they might define success-- regardless of any social or personal obstacles. I believe in showing my students empathy and understanding while still setting high expectations. With this belief, they and their adults, can be assured that I will do my best to provide the tools they need to achieve their goals.

    The Choice is Yours! Why Choose Willis Junior High?

    Willis is no doubt one of the most diverse campuses within the Chandler Unified School District. The teachers and staff here make every effort to get to know our students so that they may feel welcome and seen--thus, our students are more likely to thrive here.

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