Mrs. Debra Case
1st Grade
“Be the change you want to see in the world . . . live by the fruits of the spirit as God works in us to grow and to complete His purpose.”
I am passionate about teaching and learning. I love experiencing life through my students’ eyes as I guide them through investigations that lead to new discoveries. In our classroom students actively participate in and take responsibility for their learning. They learn to work cooperatively as well as independently and become self-reflective, so they can set goals that build upon their areas of strength. To be able to guide each of my students in reaching their potential I believe in the devotion of time through individualized attention and sincere effort to support each child’s needs. While the student is immersed in a journey of new knowledge and growth, I am simultaneously on a journey alongside them as their teacher. I will strive to create a nurturing and accepting classroom environment which encourages thought and exploration. Nurturing a positive and safe environment allows our students to feel at ease and excited to learn. Together we will emphasize building relationships with one another built on trust, respect and understanding exhibiting the fruits of the spirit.
Additionally, a key element in my role as your child’s teacher is building a partner relationship with parents and guardians. Families are a gateway to not only celebrating each child’s achievements and sharing areas for growth, but a window to understanding and knowing my students better through the family who knows them best.
I will instill in our students the understanding that I am joyfully committed to helping them learn. I will highlight and acknowledge each one of our student’s strengths and demonstrate empathy to any adversity they may face with patience, kindness, and prayer.
I graduated from Washington State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education. I earned three master’s degree’s summa cum laude from – Lesley University Graduate School in Curriculum and Instruction; Emporia State College Graduate School in Instructional Leadership; and Wright State University Graduate School in School Leadership and Instructional Coaching. In addition, I am a National Board-Certified Teacher, certified in Reading Recovery from Wright State University and have my reading endorsement in Ohio. Moreover, I have my Pennsylvania Professional Certificate, PK-4, Instructional II Certification.
My faith led me to the vocation of teaching. Recent teaching experience includes the past 7 years teaching 2nd grade in Philadelphia and 15 years in Ohio teaching 1st & 2nd grade. Prior to living in Ohio, I taught 11 years in the Kansas City Missouri School District teaching Kindergarten-4th grade and 2 years in Leavenworth, Kansas teaching Kindergarten.
My husband, George Case and I live in Reading, we have an adult daughter, Dr. Renee Shelby who teaches Science and Technology Studies at Northwestern University, Illinois and pursues research in sociological studies of inequality and an adult son, Ian Case, who works as a Managing Consultant for IBM. We recently adopted a Maltese puppy, Bennie, who is very smart and energetic; and we have two beautiful nine-year-old twin granddaughters, Hannah & Aubrey who are a delight.
I am excited to be a member of the First-Grade team with the support of St. Ignatius’s dedicated faculty and staff and your child’s teacher this year!