Clients/Testimonials
Don Deshler
Director, Center for Research on Learning, University of Kansas
During my 35+ year career, I have been fortunate to work with some of the finest educational leaders in our country. There are few who have done more with greater passion and quality to lift and enrich the lives of those with whom she works than has Debbie Cooke. She is a model for all who would aspire to make a difference! She is an extraordinary leader, communicator, and teacher.
Sherry Gibson
HR Specialist, Palm Beach County Schools
Debbie completely transformed the staff development practices of the School District of Palm Beach County. She instituted follow-up requirements for all inservice opportunities. This meant that instead of sitting at a workshop and getting points, participants had to go back to the work site and implement what they learned. Only after evidence of this implementation was received and reviewed by the trainer were points awarded. She went further to include student impact data as a requirement for instructional trainings. This ensured that not only teacher behavior changed, but that there was evidence of student impact as well. As a result of these innovations, the quality of staff development offered to district employees significantly improved, as did the expertise of our district trainers. Debbie also changed the traditional “point by the hour” concept to that of content mastery. Points were awarded based upon the number of objectives mastered within a particular component. This practice validated the purpose of the Component Description and allowed for a best-practice basis for awarding inservice points. These improvements resulted in our district receiving the 2005 Outstanding Staff Development Practices award from the Florida Association for Staff Development. This would not have been possible if it weren’t for Debbie’s profound knowledge of and expertise in the field of staff development, her commitment to excellence, and her ability to overcome political resistance. Debbie Cooke is a star in the process of high quality professional development and continuous improvement.
Denise Gudwin
Exec.Dir. for Professional Development, Miami-Dade County Public Schools (RETIRED)
Debbie Cooke holds a wealth of knowledge that she so generously shares with her colleagues. She has the ability to engage a group of participants into the active learning process, while embracing the differentiated instruction needed for adult learners. She is a true professional developer, one who encourages, coaches, mentors, and models, as well as promotes collaboration and networking among learners. Deb Cooke is a visionary in the field of professional development.
William Hall
Director, Educational Leadership Development, Brevard Public Schools
I have worked professionally with Debbie Cooke for quite some time. She has all the ingredients necessary to be a first-rate professional developer -- a passion for learning and professional development, sincere caring for others, and enthusiasm and energy. I highly recommend that you consider Debbie to assist with meeting your organization's professional development needs. Her leadership experiences at the district, state, and national levels can make professional growth for your personnel meaningful, systemic, and fun!
Pat Kaupe
Director, Recruitment & Retention, Palm Beach County Schools
Working with Debbie is a pleasure -- she is bright, thorough, organized and understands professional development -- not just theoretically but in the "practical, what works at school" sense. She knows what needs to happen and she knows how to help others see it -- and reach it.
Joellen Killion
Deputy Executive Director, Learning Forward (formerly National Staff Development Council)
I have had the joy of working with Debbie Cooke over the last seven years. During this time Debbie was instrumental in creating a professional learning community among three of Florida’s largest school systems to learn together how to address the challenge of evaluating professional development’s impact on student achievement. Debbie served as one of the members of the Technical Assistance Team, a group of distinguished Florida staff developers who worked closely with the Florida Department of Education to implement and support other districts in the implementation of the Florida Professional Development Protocol. In these roles and in many others, including president of the Florida Association of Staff Developers, Debbie has distinguished herself as a leader committed to high-quality professional learning.
Pura Labrada
Teacher Leader, Westland Hialeah Senior High, Miami-Dade County Public Schools
When I think of outstanding leadership, knowing the ins and outs of quality professional development and someone who genuinely cares about people, I think of Debbie Cooke. I have been fortunate to be part of Debbie's team where she has taught me more than I could have ever imagined.
Pam Robbins
Organization Development and Change Consultant
Debbie Cooke is a true professional! Her knowledge of research and best practice is up to date, her message is always applicable, and her human relations skills superb. I strongly recommend her services to any organization.
Magda Salazar
Teacher Leader, Calusa Elementary School, Miami-Dade County Public Schools
As educators we are experts in how to educate children, but working with adult learners can be challenging. Mrs. Cooke's professionalism and content knowledge exuberates through her presentations and work with adult learners. She has a vast knowledge on professional development, leadership development, and is an asset to the organizations with whom she consults.
Becky Shermis
Program Director - Education Domain, Laureate Education, Inc.
Walk beside Debbie and always learn, appreciate, and be inspired. She leads by example in her knowledge and practice of systemic professional development and makes anyone at any level understand the value, meaning, and understanding of quality staff development and how to drive positive impact on student achievement. Deb is an inspiring teacher and leader -- whose dedication, motivation, and incredible nurturing ways draw others to want to learn and be engaged! In working with her for almost seven years, Debbie is one who “walks her talk.”