Debbie’s Background and Experience
Debbie’s Background:
Debbie Cooke is a highly respected, ethical and principled professional specializing in the areas of educational leadership, professional development and facilitative collaboration. She has been involved in the field of education for nearly 30 years, and has served in an administrative capacity for the majority of her career. Debbie earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Stetson University and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Nova University. Debbie is also a graduate of the National Staff Development Council Academy Program and a nationally certified Strategic Instruction Model (SIM) professional developer. She is the former Executive Director of the Center for Professional Learning for Miami-Dade County Public Schools, as well as the former Manager of Staff Development for the Palm Beach County School District. She also served the latter District as an Instructional Specialist in its Performance Development Department. She is, first and foremost, a teacher, serving earlier in her career as an Exceptional Student Education instructor.
Debbie’s hands-on commitment to the professional-development field and toward continuing education includes active participation with:
- Florida Association of Staff Development (FASD) -- Past Regional Director and President, Debbie is currently serving as the Executive Director of FASD.
- National Staff Development Council (1998 to present).
- Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (1993 to present).
- Palm Beach County Juvenile Association (1992 to 1995; Vice President 1993 to 1994).
- SIM Advisory Council member -- University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning (1999 to present).
- Certified Florida Protocol Reviewer with experience in leading reviews (2003 to present).
In addition to Debbie’s credentials and involvements noted above, she is also a Certified Trainer for Clinical Education Training and a Certified Trainer for Classroom Walkthrough Training. She has been the recipient of a number of professional awards and honors, including the Outstanding Staff Development Practices Award Recipient from FASD; the SIM Jane Langenbach Award For Training Excellence; and the SIM Leadership Award from the University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning.
Debbie’s Experience:
- Coordinating professional development for the Palm Beach County and Miami-Dade County School Districts.
- Providing professional development for school, area and district personnel regarding best practices in professional development.
- Providing leadership and direction to the district staff development team.
- Responding to State and local mandates regarding professional development.
- Ensuring the implementation of the district’s professional development system; and maintaining the district’s master inservice plan.
- Researching and implementing professional development alternatives utilizing technology as a means of delivery.
- Collaborating with other district departments to ensure that professional development supports the school improvement process.
- Allocating financial resources and maintaining budgets for support of professional development programs.
- Coordinating services to and professional development for the new teacher support program for Palm Beach County.
- Establishing and supporting the professional development of the Palm Beach County Teachers’ Guild.
- Coordinating services to the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards applicants and supporting teachers once they obtain certification.
- Training administrators and teachers in best practices regarding current innovations, state mandated professional development (e.g., CET), and related curricula.