Parson’s Blewett Funded my Passion for Reading Instruction

I am currently the Academic Instructional Coach at Hickey Elementary.  I became a part of the St. Louis Public Schools family on January of 2001, following a four-year stint of active duty with the United States Air Force and receiving my undergraduate degree from Harris Stowe State University.  

My 21 years in the district encompasses various roles, including:  Classroom Teacher, Teacher Mentor, Title One Teacher, Principal Intern, Class Size Reduction Teacher, Teaching and Learning Facilitator, Consultant Teacher, Induction Coach, Reading Teacher.  

I was motivated to develop my professional growth when I encountered a student who needed extensive reading support that I felt I could not provide. Parsons Blewett Memorial Fund afforded me the opportunity to attain my reading certification and ignited my fire for teaching reading! I leverage this certification to support all students along their reading journey and assist fellow teachers in fostering their scholars’ reading success.

Deborah Peebles

Academic Instructional Coach, Hickey Elementary