Diane Penttila – Not Your Average GED Proctor

From the moment a GED tester walks through the door, she makes it clear that they are not just another test-taker. They are someone worth believing in. As both a dedicated GED instructor and test proctor, Diane has created a testing center that feels less like an intimidating exam room and more like a place of possibility and encouragement. Her warmth and welcoming spirit put even the most anxious testers at ease, and her well-timed humor has a way of cutting through nerves and reminding students that they are more capable than their fears tell them. Her investment in the students doesn’t end when the test is over. She walks alongside them into what comes next by providing them resources, whether that means further education, a new career, or simply the confidence that comes with earning a GED.

Beyond the testing center, she wears many hats for WEST ABE, showing up wherever she is needed with the same level of dedication and enthusiasm. She is a steady and reliable presence when it comes to supporting testing in the classrooms. As an instructor, she goes above and beyond what her role requires, adding courses and tracking down materials, collaborating, and connecting with her colleagues to ensure that every student has exactly what they need to succeed. Diane is the kind of educator who understands that a credential is not just a piece of paper, but a turning point in someone’s life. We are incredibly fortunate to have her on our team!