Do you know how hard it is to be a teacher?  Not just the mental capacity it takes to know material so well that you can teach it, but the emotional capacity it takes to want to teach it?  Teachers have to prepare lessons for classrooms diversified by ability to learn, ability to communicate, socio-economic backgrounds, types of families, and plain old types of personality.  Then, they have to implement the lessons so that the talented and gifted kids aren’t bored, and no one else is left behind.  And they have to grade papers, knowing the fine line between telling a student he’s got it all wrong, and showing him how to get it all right.  If the teacher is good, the students will never know how hard she (or he) is working.

Deborah is just such a teacher.  At least her state thinks so, since they have honored her for her ability.

I met Deborah through Irene, and like Angie, though I’ve only met her once in person, I’ve been reading her blog for quite some time.  She’s amazing!

Deborah is kind and considerate, and is definitely one of the sharper tools in the shed.  She is studied and educated, and continues to strive for more and better for her family, for her students, and for herself.  As you read on, I think you’ll wish you’d known her all your life.

Meet Deborah.

Name: Deborah
Age Range: 40s
Job Title: History Teacher
Industry: High School

Who are you? An Alpha-Mom, History Geek, Birkenstock wearing, over-achiever

Describe Your Family: Husband of over 20 years and the most fabulous kid in the world!  And a house full of animals that is ever-expanding thanks to our 11 year old son.  🙂

What does the first hour of your day look like? Hectic.  I am not a morning person and hate getting up in the morning.  Yet I have to be at work at 7am.  This is why dad takes point in the mornings.

What does the last hour of your day look like? Either me veging out in front of something I recorded on the TV or working on stuff for school (lesson planning or grading.)  This is after I have read with our son and gotten him all tucked in since I take point at bedtime.

What makes you feel successful? When I see our son grow in feeling secure and being responsible.  When my students “get it.”  When we have great family moments.

What brings you joy? See above.

What were you like in first, sixth, and twelfth grades? All of them – talkative.  I just can’t stop!  And using my hands while doing it.  1st grade – a bit shy because we had just moved to Texas.  6th grade – very secure, going to a small catholic school with only 6 kids in my grade.  And all of us but one were related (cousins) and my mom was the cafeteria lady at the school.  12th grade – ready to go into the world.  By then my parents were divorced and dad and I were butting heads.  Graduated in June and was out by July.

What advice would you give yourself at each of those ages? 1st grade – just make friends.  6th grade – stay in touch with those cousins, you never know when you are going to move again.  12th grade – let go of things more quickly, being angry does you no good.  And get scholarships!!

Who do you admire? My Great-Grandmother, who was known as Nanny.  She was an incredible woman, strong, loving and with high expectations.  She has been my role model for years.  She raised a family, was a teacher in a one-room school house, involved in volunteer efforts and was always there for her family no matter what.

How would you like to be remembered? Like her.  Someone who is strong and there for other people.