Debbie Diller

First year of school photo (1976-77). Last day of school photo (Sept. 26, 2024).

Thank you to all of you who have supported my work over the past 25+ years. August has always been a time of new beginnings for me. As I begin a new decade of life this month and many of you return to school, I am retiring (even though many said I never would).

This was not an easy decision, but there are so many adventures I want to have. As a good friend put it, "Work is getting in the way of my fun!" I plan to start a podcast, do lots of hiking, and am taking an improv class. I'll post here about my new endeavors and hope you'll keep in touch.

It would mean a lot to me if you could let me know something you learned from my work. As a teacher, the best thing at the end of the day is to know you made a difference in the life of your students. You have certainly made a difference in mine!

In 2024, I invite you to join me as I embark on a new journey! Stay tuned for details as I create my first-ever podcast. What would you like me to talk about/ include? I'll use my mission statement (pictured) as a springboard. Please comment below. Your feedback matters!

Scenes from Coldwater, MI and my December visit there. Math and literacy stations were in full swing in grades 2 and 3.

Here are a few photos from the boutique makeover we did today at my friend, Ann Martinelli's shop in Ambler, PA. Primitive Boutique.

Happy New Year! Thanks to Alva, OK teachers who met with me to refresh their stations and small group this week. I joyfully modeled kindergarten writing as part of the day. Then ended my trip at Lucinda's in Wichita. And, yes, I got the cupcake hat there!

On summer vacation right now. Gearing up for my 50th high school reunion today (which I'm in charge of!). Reminds me of Summer Institute, and it's the same weekend we always had it. Staying at my sister's house and hanging with my best friend from high school.

What fun are you having this summer?

Check it out. A 1- minute tip on teaching high frequency words by me on Tiktok.

Took my best girl to "Sunday Best" at MFAH today. We viewed the Obama Portraits on tour. Beautiful day! Hope you had a lovely weekend.

Renewing my spirit on Spring Break this week w my friend, Sage, in Pensacola. Driving to dinner in this tiny car was a blast! What are you doing for Spring Break?

My heart is happy! Full house at IRC today in Springfield, IL. So good to be back at live conferences and meet so many enthusiastic IL educators!

So sad to say goodbye to Christine Schumann McDonald (who was Christine Wilson when we worked together). I will be speaking at her memorial service in New Braunfels, TX tomorrow. Christine passed away peacefully on Feb. 20.

We worked together as literacy coaches in Alief ISD many years ago. She later helped me out when I needed a strong educator to help me as a trainer in my business, starting in Jan. 2012. Christine had a heart of gold, a hearty laugh, and a willing spirit. She embodied the term-- lifelong learner.

If you worked with Christine in Alief, Spring Branch, or through my company, I'd love to hear any stories you might share about her. (If you attended our Summer Institute in Houston, she was in charge of door prizes, too.)

Christine was a champion for children and did whatever she could to help them learn! She will be missed, but her legacy lives on through all the teachers and students whose lives were enriched by her.

Chloe won her 1st art prize today! Won the coloring contest for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Her artwork will be displayed at the rodeo, and she won 4 passes for her family to attend. Can't wait to see her creation!

Pure joy reading aloud to my grandson's kindergarten class this week. I was the "mystery reader" and surprised him (kind of). His teacher gave clues to the class before my visit: "It's not one of your moms or dads. The reader lives in another state." Colton was thrilled when I walked in his room and said, "Nanny, if you weren't the mystery reader, I was going to cry."