School district: Salem R-80 

Grade level/subject: Eighth grade science

Years teaching: 25 years

Years in MSTA: 25 years

Roles in MSTA: Current Articles, Bylaws and Rules Committee member and CTA President, previous CTA Vice President, Building Representative, Membership Chair

Why did you get involved with MSTA?

I moved to Missouri from Illinois. My first year here, my principal told me to join something. My district was heavy in MSTA. I knew nothing about the organization but knew I didn't want to join a national organization. MSTA was the best choice for me. I was so surprised and excited to learn that MSTA is about teachers, for teachers and IS teachers. To realize as a first- or second-year teacher that my organization is run by teachers I get to help elect was amazing. I attended Leadership at Bunker Hill with Kent King and knew I would be a lifelong member. 

How has MSTA made a difference in your career?

MSTA has helped me develop true leadership skills. Attending Open Hearing and then Convention is so inspiring.  You really get to see firsthand how involved MSTA is in the day-to-day of teaching. The resolutions that are written by teachers truly make a difference. I love sharing MSTA with my fellow teachers as the CTA President.

What is advice you wish you could give yourself earlier in your career?

If I could give my earlier self advice, there are two things I would say. First, lighten up. You are human and will make mistakes. Learn from them. Don't be so hard on yourself. Second, keep a journal every year. Write in it every day. Read that journal at the end of the year. Read it again before the start of the new year. You will be shocked at how much you grow in a year. Even after 25 years of teaching, I learn new things. When I reflect on things that have worked and not worked in the past, I am able to have more meaningful lessons. Keeping that journal will also help you not be so hard on yourself.  Some years you feel like nothing went right. Then, when you look back in that journal, you will see all the things that were great!

Why Debbi was named an Unsung Hero:

"Debbi has been representing MSTA with a pure, honest and trustworthy approach in her district," said MSTA Member Service Coordinator Kari Nolting. "In a challenging time, she has kept her head held high and continues to lead her CTA as president. She deeply cares about the well-being of her colleagues and guides them with the purest intentions."