Lincoln RI Public Schools

Deb Jacobson

Deb Jacobson is an alumni of Rhode Island College where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary-Special education and a Master’s Degree in Special Education.  She is the recipient of the Josephine A. Stillings Award and the Harry S. Novack Award for outstanding Baccalaureate Graduate and outstanding Advanced Degree Graduate.  She is certified by the American Federation of Teachers as a presenter of the ER&D Beginning Reading Instruction Course.  She has been recognized by her peers with the Crystal Apple award for her commitment to mentoring colleagues and teacher leadership.

Deb Jacobson has been an educator in the Lincoln Public Schools for 30 years.  She began her career as a primary special educator, taught first grade for 24 years and worked as the K-2 Literacy Coach in the Title I school.  Deb was the Elementary Professional Issues Co-Chair for the past 5 years.  She facilitates professional development on the RI Teacher Evaluation System and provides support to colleagues as they navigate the new educator standards.  She also serves as a mentor for new teachers as well as tenured teachers who need to improve their professional practice.

Deb is optimistic that participating in the 20/20 Vision Program will help her to refine her mentoring skills so that she can more effectively impact the growth of novice teachers.  She believes that with sustained, reliable support new teachers will blossom into effective educators.  Deb’s vision is to facilitate the implementation of a train the trainer mentoring program into her school district and cultivate a more collaborative professional community.  She is hopeful that the mentoring mindset will expand to include tenured educators who grapple with increased standards and accountability.