Debby Proehl has been a Middle School teacher for over 25 years. The majority of that time, she has worked with the students at Palo Verde Middle School. Most of her career she has dealt with children who either are reading under class level or do not speak English. She has touched many lives in her teaching career. Many of her former students still keep in touch even after many years and raising a family themselves. She has maintained a library of books in her class room for at a variety of reading levels so her students would have books available to read and be tested in order to increase their reading skills. She read most of the books in her personal library. She would give children personal recommendations based on their likes and ask the students their input on the books as they read them. She maintained this library through selling cold bottled water to her students, grants she secured from other resources and at her personal expense. Debby has developed programs to assist these children with special needs to excel in their reading and thereby succeed in school. Debby is currently working with children who are disruptive, violent or belligerent in class which require special attention and discipline. She requested this type of class as her love is to help troubled teens and pre-teens. She has set up the curriculum to help keep them current with their school work and works with outside organizations for discipline issues. Students who violate certain rules will receive community service hours where both the student & a parent have to participate. She has been successful in getting many students back into mainstream education as well as improving the self esteem of every student with which she works. As a friend, she is without equal. She has helped take my husband to appointments so I do not have to miss work and lose income. She has watched our children so we can go out of town. When finances were tough she advance us some money until the next payday even though she is a single mom raising 2 children herself. Debby Proehl makes a difference in the lives of her students with her love of teaching and children. She has made a difference in many of her students, fellow teachers and friends’ lives. Debby Proehl is the most loving and caring person in both her personal and professional life. It is my privilege to call her friend.

Signed,
Patricia Hagen