2007 Region 12 Elementary Teacher of the Year

Deborah Dibrell,
Midway ISD

Debbie Dibrell has been teaching for 12 years and has been at Spring Valley Elementary since 2000. Before coming to Midway ISD, she taught 1st grade at San Saba Elementary in San Saba and Dyess Elementary in Abilene. Dibrell also taught 2nd grade at Hommel Elementary in Everman. Since arriving at Spring Valley Elementary, she has taught Title I reading and math for two years and now teaches 2nd grade. Dibrell earned her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Elementary Education from Tarleton State University. She attended Abilene Christian University for Economics for Educators and received Master Reading Teacher Certification from ESC Region 12.

In addition to receiving the Region 12 honor, Dibrell earned Elementary Teacher of the Year for Spring Valley Elementary and for Midway ISD for 2005-2006. Besides teaching, Dibrell stays busy in her community. She and her students have been involved in fundraising for the Diabetes Walk, Jump Rope for Heart, and she volunteers for Habitat for Humanity. During the holidays, she works on projects such as food drives and donates needed items to the abuse shelter or other causes. Teaching was embedded in Dibrell’s family. Both of her parents were educators, and often shared stories with her about their profession. This helped her to finalize her career choice.

Dibrell says, “My contributions can be summed up in two words – time and effort.” Knowing her day’s work doesn’t end when the last bell rings, Dibrell often attends workshops to learn new methods of teaching. One heart-warming occurrence for Dibrell is receiving letters from students who tell her how much they have enjoyed her class. Her goal is to continue to be an inspiration for her students.