Debra Knox Email & Phone Number

The path I have traveled in my career has provided me with opportunities to gain a variety of experiences, deepen my knowledge, and develop my vision for the future of education. For almost three decades, as a teacher, curriculum specialist, and administrator, I have worked to implement equitable practices that contribute to the success of students, staff, and communities in three Columbia Basin school districts. These school districts each serve a highly diverse and underserved population. With this deep background in education, I am prepared for an opportunity to support the Washington Students & Educators.Through my experience and reflective learning, I have developed a profound awareness of the system of education and the need for skilled instructional and transformational leaders. These experiences include teaching first through eighth grade, supporting teachers as a curriculum specialist, providing job embedded training for adults, guiding the growth of a school as an assistant principal, and supporting professional development as an educational consultant. I have learned to work effectively under pressure with large and small groups of teachers, other staff, district leaders, and managers.I have gained a broad perspective on education through my work as a teacher, instructional coach, and administrator, and my involvement in local unions and as a consultant. As a District Academic Coach, I focused on providing instructional leadership through leading district-wide professional development. These development events provided learning expertise to leaders, staff, and members. In my role as Assistant Principal, I focused my support on underserved students and the instructional growth of teachers using the TPEP framework. Transitioning back to teaching from an administrative role, I took a union position as TPEP facilitator and building representative. Working with the union has allowed me to broaden my understanding of TPEP and evaluations and to promote the value of union membership. I am interested in:STEM education, digital citizenship, instructional leadership, Project Based Learning, Flipped Classrooms, technology in the classroom, designing engaging adult learning experiences