Diane Gardner, Associate Director
Equipped for the Future

Diane joined the staff at the Center for Literacy Studies in 1999. Her undergraduate degree is in Secondary English Education and Special Education and she received a Masters in Technical and Adult Education. At the Center for Literacy Studies, Diane has been involved with planning professional development activities and Workplace Education. She developed training in Job (Literacy) Task Analysis and conducted regional trainings for supervisors and practitioners across the state.

Beginning October 2002, Diane accepted a position with Equipped for the Future [the EFF Center for Training and Technical Assistance] as the Professional Development and Certification Coordinator.

Diane taught adult education on a part-time basis for ten years before taking a full-time position as instructor and Director for a private educational program for emotionally disturbed youth. Prior to coming to the Center, Diane served as Director of Education and Training for a non-profit agency. During this time she obtained funding for three Federal grants, conducted parenting classes, designed training materials, introduced and promoted the Tennessee Drug-Free Workplace Act, and co-hosted a regional teleconference on youth and violence.

Diane has three children. She enjoys hiking, biking, gardening, cooking, sewing and jogging. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Tennessee Children's Dance Ensemble and travels as a chaperone when the dancers are on tour.