Testimonials

• Ms. Howell has focused on encouraging lifelong learners, students who will be able to think for themselves, make wise decisions, be responsible, dependable, and self-manage their time effectively. Her philosophy of having children for more than two years enables a sense of security and consistency. This allows Ms. Howell to not spend a month or longer figuring out where a child is academically or socially. Ms. Howell also encourages her students to learn that as they progress through school that they become their own best teacher, making use of the learning tools around them.

• Ms. Howell has developed a strengthened family feeling by deliberately nurturing family involvement. This allows parents to feel a stronger connection to the children in her class and to her as their teacher. Within the classroom, the students have the opportunity to be the youngest, the middle, and the eldest child.

“Mrs. Howell is exceptional. Her classes contain students from both ends of the spectrum and all points in between. Since she has students for three years, she learns what works best to bring out their individual brilliance. Her energetic and innovative approach engages students. She believes strongly in the potential of each of her students and presents them with materials that others might think they are incapable of understanding. She incorporates fun and educational experiences, such as whale-watching trips, into her curriculum.”

Siobhan Sullivan, School Board Director

 “Debra keeps the best interests of her students at the forefront of her actions. She develops innovative programs, takes chances with implementing new curricula, and procures the help of outside sources to address deficiencies in her students’ education. When others say – ‘It can’t be done,’ Debra gets it done. Debra creates a learning atmosphere that is welcoming to all. Students and their parents enter her classroom as twenty-five individual learners. They leave her classroom as a family of twenty-five team members. "

Wayne Kettler, Colleague