Deanna is a high school English teacher, department coordinator, and professional learning coordinator at a public charter school in Delaware. Deanna is also the “co-parent” of the Speaking Educationally podcast, where she talks all things equity and education with two other Delaware educators. When not teaching or talking education, Deanna can be found reading her many stacks of education books, crafting, doting on her dogs, or plotting a better world with her husband and kids.

I've known Deanna for more than a decade. When I was the Univ. of Delaware Secondary Inclusion Specialist, I provided support to schools all over the state. As you can imagine, some school administrators and faculty were more receptive than others.

One of my favorite places was the high school where Deanna was the literacy instructional coach. We would brainstorm and strategize about how to tailor my PD approach to the teachers that she knew well. I learned to trust on her instincts and was frequently delighted to learn her creative methods for reinforcing concepts I had presented.

We became friends when Deanna decided to pursue special education certification and took courses I taught at the University. Her expanding depth of knowledge was invaluable as we continued to provide inclusive PD at her school.

When we both left those positions, we stayed in touch, serving as brainstorm sounding boards for each other on all sorts of topics. I value Deanna as a friend I can be REAL with. I hope you-all have a Deanna in your life.