Diann Frucci, A+ College Ready English Content Director, Announces her Retirement

A Japanese proverb states, “Better than a thousand days of diligent study is one day with a GREAT TEACHER.” The mission of A+ College is to equip and empower GREAT TEACHERS in Alabama.

For the last 11 years, A+ College Ready has depended on Diann Frucci, the personification of a GREAT TEACHER, to guide, to provide support, and to develop resources with the goal of mentoring other great AP Language and Literature teachers across the state. Diann was an AP Language and Literature teacher in the first cohort of A+ College Ready schools in 2008. She taught at LAMP High School in Montgomery County and served as the English lead teacher for other schools in the district.

Her expertise, experience, and ability to forge positive relationships with fellow educators made her the perfect choice when A+ College Ready needed a second English content director to work alongside Betsy Brooks, the inaugural English Content Director. Diann began service in that role in 2012 and upon Betsy’s retirement became the sole English Content Director. She has had influence on hundreds of Alabama English educators from sixth grade through Advanced Placement (AP) Language and Literature.

Recently, Diann announced her retirement to the A+ College Ready staff. After 34 successful years as an educator, she now plans to spend her time enjoying family and pursuing other passions. While the staff of A+ College Ready will miss Diann’s beautiful way of expressing herself and her invaluable contributions to the A+ College curricular and training resources, we wish her the very best. No one deserves a happy and long retirement more! Diann will continue in her current role until May 31, 2019.

Kelley Rouze was Diann’s colleague at LAMP and served as the Math Lead Teacher in Montgomery alongside Diann. We asked Kelley to share thoughts about her colleague. “Diann Frucci has been an inspiration to me both personally and professionally. She is a rare blend of brilliance and humility packaged with an incredible work ethic. Diann has worked tirelessly for students in Alabama, wanting the very best instruction to reach them each day. Her work is exemplary! I am greatly blessed by her friendship.”

As A+ College Ready expanded its work from focusing almost exclusively on Advanced Placement to equally focusing efforts on AP and the preparatory grades six through ten, Pam Walker was chosen to lead the work in grades 6 – 10 for English. Pam attributes much of her success to the investment Diann made in her professional growth. “Working with Diann Frucci has been one of the greatest blessings of both my personal and professional life. She is an incredible mentor, colleague, and friend from whom I have learned so much during our time together at A+College Ready. Although no one can fill her shoes exactly, I will always strive to find my “inner Diann” as I continue to serve the English teachers of Alabama.”

On behalf of the entire A+ College Ready team and all of the teachers and students who have been been impacted by Diann’s leadership, we say THANK YOU for a job well done.

In response to Diann’s retirement, A+ College Ready announces the job opening for “A+ College Ready Advanced Placement English Content Director.” You can find the job description and application process here. Diann is leaving a legacy of excellence! We are looking for candidates who want to join and contribute to an innovative educational team and who have motivation and ideas to move teaching and learning forward in the coming years. Please share with anyone who might have interest.