Debra’s philosophy about teaching is simple…she agrees with Madeline Hunter when she said, “Kids don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care!” Many think she was being too “warm and fuzzy” but what she meant was you are not going to reach some kids academically until you first reach them on the “human to human” level. Sometimes the subject matter in our classrooms can’t compete with the “drama” in their lives. The main ingredient missing in a lot of our classrooms today is a “connection with kids.” Debra believes that research is clear, when students know you value them as a human being, not just another student; they will work harder for you and challenge you less. She also believes teachers don’t need any more theory and new, trendy programs with catchy names.

Teachers need to be given research based, proven, practical strategies and applications that can be implemented immediately – without throwing anything out that is working in their classroom. Teachers have the toughest job in America as they are asked every day to wear many different hats – mom, dad, nurse, counselor, teacher, advisor, judge, jury, lawyer – just to name a few.

Students come into our classrooms and schools with different backgrounds and cultures and their cognitive abilities, assets and experiences are just as wide ranging.  Sometimes the only thing students have in common is their age! The “one size fits all” approach does not work anymore.

The biggest unchallenged assumption by many today (especially politicians) about education is that kids are coming to school willing and ready to learn. As educators, we know this is not the case. We have a generation of kids coming to our schools basically unsocialized. Many students are learning behavior from Beavis and Butthead, MTV, Bart Simpson, Jersey Shores and a myriad of other influences.

There’s not much we can do from 4:00 PM until 8:00 AM but there is a lot we can do from 8:00 AM until 4:00 PM. Debra is dedicated to helping educators be successful through motivation, inspiration, humor and a common-sense approach to stress management. Most importantly, she leaves educators with as many proven, practical strategies as she can.

After all, wasn’t there a well-prepared, loving teacher who once helped you believe in yourself?