Lakeland Loses Gifted Education Champion Dr. Lois Horn-Diaz

LAKELAND — Dr. Lois Horn-Diaz, known affectionately as "Señorita Beep-Beep," has left her role supporting gifted students at Mi Escuela Montessori after five years. Her departure concludes a significant chapter for the school's enrichment program, which she was instrumental in developing.

Horn-Diaz brought more than 30 years of experience as a gifted education teacher and school psychologist within the Polk County Schools system to Mi Escuela Montessori. She joined when the gifted program was in its early stages. Her expertise in teacher training for identifying and supporting students with unique intellectual abilities helped the program flourish, leading to a considerable increase in student participation.

During her tenure, Horn-Diaz infused her work with creativity. She made Shakespeare accessible, taught students video editing skills, and organized mind games to promote critical thinking. She also coordinated the school's inaugural middle school academic competitions, offering students avenues to challenge themselves and build confidence. Teachers relied on her guidance to understand and meet the specific needs of gifted children.

Last year, Horn-Diaz began phasing out her full-time commitment to gifted education. She planned to lead weekly book clubs focused on socio-emotional development and an extracurricular program while the school searched for a full-time specialist. However, unforeseen challenges prevented the restructuring of these activities before the current school year. Horn-Diaz recently accepted a new opportunity that allows her to contribute to the wider community with a more flexible schedule.

Her impact at Mi Escuela Montessori will endure. "We are so thankful that we had your support for your first 5 years of retirement, Dr. Beep-Beep, and we wish you well as you continue to support learners in Polk County!" a school representative stated. "Her legacy will endure. We thank her for all she gave us and hope she knows how much she is valued here."

The school community wishes Horn-Diaz the best in her new endeavors and hopes she will maintain her connection to the community she helped shape.