Her Story
About Linda
Linda Royer is a retired educator with more than five decades of experience supporting children through early childhood education, special education, reading intervention, and paraprofessional services. She began her career after graduating from Plymouth State College in 1971 with a degree in Business Education and later earned a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Wheelock College in Boston. Her passion for working with young children led her to build a long and diverse career in education, beginning in New Hampshire and eventually continuing in Florida.
Throughout her career, Linda served as an early childhood teacher, kindergarten paraprofessional, Title I project manager, reading intervention paraprofessional, special education interventionist, and Child Development Associate. After relocating to Florida in 2017, she continued supporting students through Pinellas County Schools, including at High Point Elementary and Forest Lakes Elementary. She has also worked with Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten students and served as a substitute teacher, allowing her to continue contributing to the education community while choosing assignments that aligned with her interests and priorities.
Linda’s educational philosophy centers on helping children develop a genuine love of school and learning while preparing them for life, careers, and future opportunities. She has been a strong advocate for public education and believes educators play an essential role in helping children learn to live and succeed within their communities. Her dedication to education was shaped by her parents’ encouragement and her desire to balance a meaningful career with family life. Now retired, Linda looks back on a career defined by service, compassion, and a lasting commitment to helping young learners thrive.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Linda
01What do you attribute your success to?
The memory of my parents who encouraged teaching as a profession that provides balance between family and career. They live within me and I feel their pride watching over me.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Remember the reason why you chose to become an educator. Keep in mind why you chose to be an educator, preparing youth for their life, career, and college education. It's tough being a teacher nowadays with so much expected.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Excessive standardized testing three times a year makes students disengaged by 3rd grade. Schools judged on test scores rather than social/emotional development. Government policies favoring charter schools over public schools, taking away funding and not requiring same credentials. Violence and shootings leading to homeschooling which isolates children from society.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.