Dr. Lynne Diaz-Rico, A Great Educator
Dr. Lynne Díaz-Rico, CATESOL past president (2010-11), passed away on June 24, 2020 at her home in Redlands, California, after a short bout with pancreatic cancer. She was educated at University of Pittsburgh, and received her Doctorate of Education from Interamerican University in Puerto Rico.
Lynne was a professor at California State University, San Bernardino teaching in the College of Education’s Department of Teacher Education & Foundations for over thirty years. While at Cal State, Dr. Díaz-Rico founded a successful master’s program in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). Lynne was admired and respected by her students who indicated that she was an exceptional teacher who worked her students hard, but they learned from her. She helped them arrange successful teaching internships and stayed in touch long after they graduated. Lynne took on multiple leadership roles at the university and within her professional organizations. She mentored and advised many students at the masters and doctoral levels over the years. Dedicating much of her life to her students, Lynne mentored over 90 master’s theses for the M.A TESOL. She had a dynamic personality, full of wit and wisdom.
Lynne was a prolific author and focused on preparing teachers to teach English learners, including The Cross-Cultural Language and Academic Development Handbook: A Complete K-12 Reference Guide, with Kathryn Z. Weed, now in its sixth edition, and Strategies for Teaching English Learners. In addition to her professional duties as a writer and professor, Lynne was an avid reader and reviewer of books. She wrote, for example, two volumes on the history and folklore of the Serrano people, a project commissioned by the San Manuel tribe of Southern California. To understand a little more about her professionalism and dedication to her students, watch this YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maiXO1sx9C0 Mapping the Socio-cognition of ILLC Curricula and Assessment.
Throughout her life, Lynne traveled extensively throughout the globe to deliver lectures and presentations. She presented at both TESOL and CATESOL annually over a number of years. A former stained glass artist, she was known for her curious mind and deep knowledge of topics such as visual art and craft, European history, Chinese philosophy, and United States Indigenous cultures.
As president of CATESOL in a time of financial difficulty, she brought in many new members by connecting with colleagues and colleagues of colleagues. She led the CATESOL Board of Directors through a challenging time with a strong hotel union who called for a strike during our annual conference.
In reflecting back on her contribution and participation in CATESOL, Lynne herself wrote:
At every CATESOL conference over the years, whether a local, regional, or the annual, I have reconnected with colleagues I rarely see in person (California is a big state!), made new friends, attended terrific presentations, and acquired new technology skills. I have my own favorite presenters that I seek out time and again--these have been my teachers over the years. I always try to contribute as well. This year I made my 50th CATESOL academic presentation. Many thanks to those colleagues who have supported me as I have grown and matured in this profession!
Dr. Lynne Diaz-Rico was a great educator, presenter and teacher. She will be sorely missed.
Lynne was a professor at California State University, San Bernardino teaching in the College of Education’s Department of Teacher Education & Foundations for over thirty years. While at Cal State, Dr. Díaz-Rico founded a successful master’s program in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). Lynne was admired and respected by her students who indicated that she was an exceptional teacher who worked her students hard, but they learned from her. She helped them arrange successful teaching internships and stayed in touch long after they graduated. Lynne took on multiple leadership roles at the university and within her professional organizations. She mentored and advised many students at the masters and doctoral levels over the years. Dedicating much of her life to her students, Lynne mentored over 90 master’s theses for the M.A TESOL. She had a dynamic personality, full of wit and wisdom.
Lynne was a prolific author and focused on preparing teachers to teach English learners, including The Cross-Cultural Language and Academic Development Handbook: A Complete K-12 Reference Guide, with Kathryn Z. Weed, now in its sixth edition, and Strategies for Teaching English Learners. In addition to her professional duties as a writer and professor, Lynne was an avid reader and reviewer of books. She wrote, for example, two volumes on the history and folklore of the Serrano people, a project commissioned by the San Manuel tribe of Southern California. To understand a little more about her professionalism and dedication to her students, watch this YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maiXO1sx9C0 Mapping the Socio-cognition of ILLC Curricula and Assessment.
Throughout her life, Lynne traveled extensively throughout the globe to deliver lectures and presentations. She presented at both TESOL and CATESOL annually over a number of years. A former stained glass artist, she was known for her curious mind and deep knowledge of topics such as visual art and craft, European history, Chinese philosophy, and United States Indigenous cultures.
As president of CATESOL in a time of financial difficulty, she brought in many new members by connecting with colleagues and colleagues of colleagues. She led the CATESOL Board of Directors through a challenging time with a strong hotel union who called for a strike during our annual conference.
In reflecting back on her contribution and participation in CATESOL, Lynne herself wrote:
At every CATESOL conference over the years, whether a local, regional, or the annual, I have reconnected with colleagues I rarely see in person (California is a big state!), made new friends, attended terrific presentations, and acquired new technology skills. I have my own favorite presenters that I seek out time and again--these have been my teachers over the years. I always try to contribute as well. This year I made my 50th CATESOL academic presentation. Many thanks to those colleagues who have supported me as I have grown and matured in this profession!
Dr. Lynne Diaz-Rico was a great educator, presenter and teacher. She will be sorely missed.
WHO We ARE
Support
|
CATESOL Education Foundation is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Contributions to the CATESOL Education Foundation are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Our tax identification number is 20-8464092.
Non-Discrimination Policy
The CATESOL Education Foundation does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military or language orientation status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to board members, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services and awards. We are committed to providing an equitable, inclusive, welcoming environment for all members of our volunteers, vendors, and clients. © COPYRIGHT 2020. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
|