Rising Star Reynolds Making an Impact in Local Schools

SALISBURY, MD---Salisbury University’s Samuel W. and Marilyn C. Seidel School of Education prepares future teachers to make an immediate impact. Debra Reynolds, who earned both her B.A. in history and M.A. in teaching at SU, has done just that.

In her first three years as a history teacher at Wicomico Middle School, Reynolds was the inaugural recipient of the McCain Foundation’s Rising Star Award for Wicomico County teachers. She also was featured on the podcast Teachers in America from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, a global leader in K-12 education programs.

Reynolds, who grew up in Salisbury, knew this area is where she wanted to stay for her own education as well as guiding others. She has long been a history buff and knew from a young age she wanted to teach.

“I have always had a passion for education, but SU helped me tap into my potential and taught me ways to become a successful educator,” she said, crediting Drs. Ruth Malone (Education Leadership) and Alexander Pope (Secondary and Physical Education) for “guiding me in my journey of becoming an educator. Both professors provided feedback and guidance while I was interning and even after I got hired as a teacher.”

Reynolds currently is in her sixth year at Wicomico Middle School.

Through SU’s Professional Development Schools (PDS) program and other educational opportunities afforded by Seidel School faculty, Reynolds was able to get involved in teaching, get into a classroom and develop her skills before earning her degree.

“I think the education I received from SU helped me for my current position by the hands-on activities and work we would complete,” she said. “Many of the lessons and projects we completed had the potential to be used in public schools as well.”

She also helped build her network before graduation as a member of SU’s chapter of Kappa Delta Pi, the International Honor Society in Education.

Learn more about SU and opportunities to Make Tomorrow Yours at www.salisbury.edu.