Debbie Terronez was born in Ponca City and moved to Davenport when she was three years old. A graduate of Davenport High School she has been teaching for 30 years; 26 in Chandler. Debbie teaches Fundamentals of Administrative Technology I & II and Yearbook at CHS. She is also a sponsor for the Business Professionals of America organization.
Q When did you decide to become a teacher and why?
A I decided in high school that I wanted to be a teacher. I always enjoyed the business subjects in school, so it wasn’t hard to decide which direction to go in the teaching field.
Q Can you give an example of a time when a teacher impacted your life?
A One of my college professors, Dr. Wyndella McNutt, was an inspiration to me. When she walked into the room, she immediately had your attention, but she never raised her voice. She was always available to answer questions when we had them. She was a great teacher and great role model.
Q What is the biggest challenge you face as a teacher?
A The biggest challenge is trying to convince the students that what they are learning in my class will really be used later in life. I try to give them examples of ways they can use the different programs we learn as we cover them, but sometimes it doesn’t sink in until much later.
Q What do you enjoy most about teaching?
A I enjoy interacting with the students and getting to know them. As the advisor of BPA, we have several activities throughout the year where we work close together and create a tighter bond through these activities. I also enjoy running into past students and visiting with them.
Q How would you describe yourself as a teacher?
A I am a quiet person and keep to myself a lot. I am a supporter of Chandler school activities, which I feel is extremely important to the students.
Q What’s your favorite memory since you’ve been teaching?
A One of the yearbook covers we designed for the high school yearbook was selected as a feature cover by the Josten’s yearbook rep. She presented me with a framed copy of it.
Q Can you tell about an important achievement or honor you have received?
A My most important achievement has been attaining my National Board Certified Teacher certification. It was so stressful, and so time consuming, yet so very worthwhile. This process allowed me to evaluate my teaching strengths and weaknesses, parental involvement, and professional development. Ed Miller, my principal at the time, was very supportive of me during the time I was working on this certification.
Debbie has three children: Michelle is 32, Jennifer is 28, and Jeffrey is 22. She has two grandchildren are Bryson, age 8 and Mattie, age 3. In her free time Debbie enjoy spending time with her grandchildren who she calls her pride and joy. She takes them on “grandma trips” when she gets the chance, usually visiting a museum or zoo.
Debbie has been a volunteer leader in 4-H for 22 years, and enjoys helping with all the 4-H activities and events. She was selected as the Northeast District Volunteer Leader of the Year in 2014.
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