Class Acts: Diana Jiménez, Delhi High

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Froilan Mariscal nominated Diana Jiménez for Class Acts. Mariscal said countless students who have been successful in her classes have returned after going to college to thank her for the way she gave them confidence and prepared them for higher learning.

Name: Diana Jiménez

Occupation: English teacher at Delhi High School; BTSA (beginning teacher support and assessment) mentor; UC Merced writing project teacher consultant

Modesto Bee - Diana Jimenez, a freshman and senior teacher for Delhi High School. (Steve Kosko / The Modesto Bee)

Family: Married 21 years this summer to Jesse. Children, Jonathan, 19, college student and Marine reservist; Jasmin, senior at Turlock High School, athlete extraordinaire.

Education background: B.A. in English from CSU Stanislaus; pursuing an administrative credential and curriculum and instruction M.A. from Chapman University.

Teaching experience: Seven years at Delhi. This year she teaches ninth- and 12th-grade college preparatory English; senior AP literature and composition; and an RTI (response to intervention) course.

What is your favorite thing about being a teacher? My favorite thing is working with amazing students who teach me so much about my craft, my humanity and inspire me with hope.

What is the most challenging part of your job? Grading essays and assignments. I try very hard to return assignments in a timely manner and give students the feedback they need, but it's often a very daunting task.

What's next in your classroom? I'm also the senior class adviser. Right now we are in the middle of wrapping up the planning for the end-of-the-year senior activities. Next year, our high school is starting a freshmen academy and I'm very excited to be part of this project.

Advice for new teachers: There is a learning curve with this profession, so be patient. Find a good mentor who can guide you and celebrate with you the small successes in your craft and in your classroom. Stay active and involve yourself in a positive professional learning community. Lastly, keep a positive attitude and be flexible.

Advice for students: Learn how to self-advocate. Ask for help when you need it, and keep trying. ... Aristotle said, "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." Be persistent and you will see the results. It's your education -- own it.

What would surprise people about your job? How kind, intelligent, and dedicated the vast majority of teenagers really are. They are not the stereotypes often portrayed in the media. They are insightful and humorous. I truly enjoy working with them.

What did you do on your summer vacation? I slept in a lot. I'm not a morning person by nature, so summer vacation is my time to sleep in. My family and I go to Capitola every summer for vacation, and that's always fun. I also enjoy going to Cancun and relaxing by the beautiful Caribbean.