Meet our Learning Specialists

As an educator I feel that we are called to welcome all children. As a teacher I must facilitate student learning by meeting their unique needs, developing their unique talents and creating an environment that is both accepting and challenging. I am guided by the virtues and the loving examples of Christ and strive to bring these into my teaching.

I have 40 years of teaching experience in Catholic Schools in the Houston, Dallas and Austin Dioceses as well as Austin and Plano ISD. I have taught in first grade, fourth grade, Middle School, Inclusion and Learning Mastery Centers.

Credentials:

• BS Elementary Education & Special Education, The University of Texas
• Gifted and Talented - Specialized Training (60 hours)

Certifications:

• Elementary Education K-8
• Special Education K-12
• Elementary School Psychology K-8

Contact info: Debbie Spurlin

What an honor it is to be given the privilege of being a part of the STCS family of faith!  I join our community with over twenty-five years of teaching experience in a variety of responsibilities.  I have served as a classroom teacher, curriculum writer, instructional coach, and principal.  In each capacity my focus has been to unlock the wonder and thrill of life-long learning.  

In my “little way” I strive to empower every child to have confidence in their God given abilities and patience for the abilities and skills they are working to develop.  My prayer is that all our students find excitement and joy in learning and that each discovery encourages them to approach greater challenges and celebrate future triumphs. 

Credentials:

• Bachelor of Science in Journalism /  West Virginia University
• Texas Teaching Certification / Huston Tillotson University
• Master of Education in Administration & Instructional Leadership / Concordia University 
• Reading and Writing Skills Trainer for Language Circle Enterprises (Project Read - Phonics, Reading Comprehension, Linguistics, Written Expression) and Neuhaus Education Center Programs (Basic Language Skills, Multi-Sensory Reading & Spelling, Developing Metacognitive Skills and Scientific Spelling). 
• Training in Linda-Mood Bell Visualizing & Verbalizing, Read Naturally and Scottish Rite’s Build K-1 Reading Intervention.  
• Writers Workshop Instructor for The Six Traits of Writing

Certifications:

• Principal/Administration 
• Special Education
• English Language Arts & Reading 
• English as a Second Language 
• Radio Marketing (CRMC)
  
  

As a graduate and former teacher, I am thrilled to return to the St. Theresa community in a new role! Since 2008, I have served as a classroom teacher, dyslexia therapist, and literacy advocate, including nonprofit work for the International Dyslexia Association in Austin. Passionately committed to empowering diverse learners, I aim to facilitate my students’ discovery of their unique gifts while fostering the development of the whole child. Through our work together, I aspire to guide each of my students in realizing their own “Little Way” to leave a positive, lasting impact on the world.

Credentials:

• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, minor in Education - University of Texas at Austin
• Master of Education in Elementary Education and ESL - Texas State University

Certifications:

• English as a Second Language Generalist
• Certified Academic Language Therapist
• Licensed Dyslexia Therapist
• Special Education