Deirdre Fabian
Position: Adaptive Physical Education Teacher
School: Lincoln High School
School District: San Diego Unified School District
City, State: San Diego, CA
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Deidre Fabian was nominated by a colleague who wishes to remain anonymous.
During her five year tenure at Whittier Center of Education, Deirdre Fabian took over a physical education program that did not provide support for special education students. She not only created a program to benefit students with special needs, but also sought out opportunities for them to interact with students outside of the school.
She found opportunities for the students to be involved with three Special Olympic events every year and brought a few of the high school students to Circle of Friends, a nearby high school's special education meet up program. Ms. Fabian also created events such as Trashin Fashion and Field Day to help boost morale and make school fun for everyone.
"Deidre fought for students rights and ensured that the law was followed for their support and instruction. She went above and beyond what a normal PE teacher would do to ensure student safety, student involvement, and an atmosphere of happiness at a school that tended to have low morale," her nominator said. "Her goal in life is to bring joy to everyone she encounters and put her best efforts into building great relationships between staff and students."
Upon her departure from Whittier in June 2017, many students have expressed their sadness and how much they will miss her.
Best Elementary P.E teacher ever
She stomped my hot Cheetos
Taught me boxing
I beat her at kickball and dodgeball
I loved her it was at baker elementary
Thank You Mrs. Fabian
This is a woman who dedicates her life to children. She has always been a light in all peoples’ lives she has touched! Wish she was my daughter’s teacher.
Ms.Fabian is one of the greatest teachers in my school career. I remember being a middle school student and how much fun she was to be around on a daily basis. She genuinely cared greatly for her students and it showed. I hope she knows the impact she has left on so many of her students just by her displays of kindness, sincerity and love that was shown!
I had the privilege of working with Deirdre during her five years at Whittier and now in the Adapted Physical Education Department. Deirdre was beloved by the students and their families at Whittier. As a classroom teacher there, I often had parents of students tell me about how Deirdre had done something fun with their child over the weekend. She always went above and beyond to make sure the students were the first priority. She held people accountable when it came to doing what was best for the students. In her new position as an adapted physical education teacher, Deirdre has already made big strides in making sure students with disabilities are included in the general education population. She successfully runs the aquatics program at two area high schools. She is also an active coach and advocate for the Special Olympics. I've been fortunate to work with some amazing people in my life and Deirdre is definitely among the best of the best.
MS. Fabian is a lifechanger! She loves those kids almost as much as they love her. I was blessed to have worked with her.
I worked with Deirdre Fabian for years and she taught my children, as well. She made each child feel special and loved, and she always made learning fun for them. Deirdre has a way of spreading smiles and laughter to everyone around her, and her love for life is contagious. She is a great teacher.
Definitely a person always going above and beyond for her students. An amazing person who has change so many lifes. I have personally been able to see the impact she has had on students. One of the best teachers out there.
Deirdre did the same student and staff relationship & joy building activities while teaching the importance of Phy. Edu. In Wilmington, NC as well. The children & fellow teachers missed her terribly when she moved across the US and wishes she could me recognized for all the love and support she has shown all she touches.
Ms. Fabian has and will ever remain one of the best teachers I have ever had. She was my first PE teacher. She still remembers me after 20+ years if that tells you what kind of passion she has. This lady deserves much more than this award!!! She was a great influence on many of us.
Ms. Fabian was my son's PE teacher in Elementary School. He lived for her class :-)) She stood out in front of the school every morning greeting the kids...always smiling, positive, and full of energy. I will never forget her boxing match...it was around Halloween and we were supposed to go to a Halloween Party, but my son insisted he wanted to go to Ms. Fabian's match....so we did...it was fun, inspiring, and of course she won :-)) Easily the best, most caring, and energetic teacher I ever encountered!
Deirdre Fabian is one of the most enthusiastic and dedicated teachers I have ever known. She loves her work, often pitching in those extra hours and moneys that are required to get things done. I have always been impressed by her love of people, especially those with extra challenges. Her passion for education and those kids who need that special touch of kindness is remarkable. I highly support this nomination!
This women has touched so many lives, students and adults. She has changed the lives of everyone she meets.
Definitely an over achiever. And a wonderful teacher.
Deirdre Fabian is undoubtedly one of the best teachers I’ve taught with. To me a good teacher is epitomized by, first of all “if the students learned”, second if that teacher made the “learning” enjoyable, and third if the teacher loved what they did...and Deirdre meets all those requirements ...She Truly loves teaching!!! She’s always given her time above and beyond what she was asked!!
There is no other PE teacher that has stayed in my memory as Ms. Fabian has. I had the pleasure of having her at Topsail Schools in Hampstead, NC in the 1990’s. She was always caring, kind and funny. Ms. Fabian is surely a life changer and deserves this!!!
Ms. Fabian is the definition of a life changer! She brings so much joy to all the children she works with and goes above and beyond to make any situation better. She has made such a difference in the lives of her past and present students, giving them opportunities, support, and motivation they need to shine, when others would barely give them a chance. I have been so fortunate to witness and share in the magic she brings to any campus and hope she receives this well deserved recognition!
To know Deirdre is to love her. I met her over ten years ago at Baker Elementary. She is now a colleague and a friend. She goes above and beyond for all students...present and past. As a teacher of over 20 years, I can say, with complete honesty that she is a "Diamond in the rough." She is intelligent, kind, and hilarious, to all staff and students. She truly is compassionate and cares about her kiddos.
I have never met a more caring and passionate teacher, friend, daughter...than Deirdre. Failure has never been an option for her and I have had the pleasure of watching her change many peoples lives. She is an amazing person!!! I am honored to know her. She is far your best candidate.
I have had the pleasure of working with Deirdre. She is one of the most beloved dedicated hard working teachers I know. Deirdre would always go above and beyond her job description for staff and students. She is still talked about and missed immensely by everyone at Baker Elementary. I have never met anyone more deserving of this award than Deirdre Fabian!
I worked with Deidre during my internship and my first three years of teaching.
Deidre sets the bar very high. She is a PE teacher for which I have always measured others against. I have worked with many different teachers over the years and Deidre is one of the most compassionate. She is the best at what she does.
Deirdre is a true life changer for those who she comes into contact with. I worked with Deirdre for 5 years at Whittier School, a place of learning for students with special needs and severe behavioral issues. Without any specific training for this population, she changed the life's of the students she taught. Deirdre treats everyone with dignity and respect. She is exceptionally talented at building up the good and diminishing the weakness of the students she works with. She puts children first. Deidre gIves 100% to the students, parents, and staff members. Additionally, she spends her free time helping children outside of school--taking students to get their hair cut, for a meal, to the special olympics. Deidre Fabian is one of a kind!
I am a former colleague & teacher from South Topsail with Deirdre and a friend of 20+ years. Deirdre is an outstanding P.E Teacher as well as an Adaptive Teacher with students of Special Needs. Deirdre has always gone over & beyond with including students of special needs and has always been involved with Special Olympics. She is not just a good educator, but compassionate, finds the good in everyone and in postutive attributes with every student. Deirdre is a one of a kind lady, teacher and friend and I can’t think of a better way she could be honored by giving her this award.
Deirdre has been an advocate for health and the well being of students for special education and general education students. She fell in love with special education several years ago working at Whittier School. She modified lesson plans to meet the needs of all moderate to severe students. Deirdre was able to include Whittier School in the Special Olympics program, helped with the remodeled track and field, and has personally helped many students with transition skills for a healthier lifestyle when they promote from Whittier School. Deirdre established personal connections with so many students with special needs to get them to participate in Physical Education. Through that process, students gained confidence, social skills with their peers and teachers. The students were happier and able to participate in rich curriculum inside the classroom because stress and anxiety were not as prevalent. Many students were eager to take walking breaks around the track when stress levels started to heighten. Deirdre is well deserving of being life changer of the year. It has been an honor to have worked along side with her.
Ms. Deirdre Fabian is a life changer and very deserving of an award with this name. Her dedication to her students, her work, and her ideals are evident. Ask any of the now young adults who had her when she taught elementary school PE and they remember her and the positive effect on their lives! She affected us all; students, administrators, fellow teachers, parents, custodians! What an unforgettable public servant she is! She could be a CEO of a large corporation, but she chose to teach our future generations!
I have known Deidre for 10 years and in that time watched her excel with the students and staff. She is one in a million and ALWAYS gives over 100% in everything she does. Wonderful wonderful person.
I have known Ms. Fabian for over 30 years. She was the student trainer for the softball team I played on at UNCW. Ms. Fabian has always gone out of her way to help people if only by making them laugh. I have always admired Ms. Fabian's commitment to education and to helping others in need and consider it a privilege to call a person of this caliber a true friend.
Deirdre is one of the most selfless & generous people I've ever known. She supported me when I needed it most even though she has a demanding job and was dealing with some important and stressful issues in her private life. There can surely be no person more deserving of this award.
Deirdre is an amazing teacher who has changed the lives of countless children throughout her career. She is also an all-around amazing person and friend and more than deserving of this award!
Deirdre has been instrumental in me developing a passion for boxing. Her love for the sport as well promoting the highest physical fitness standards helped me lose weight, gain muscle and develop a love for boxing. I wholeheartedly endorse Deirdre for the Lifechanger of the Year award.
This woman has a pure love for her students, friends, and family! You can make certain that Ms. Fabian is your best candidate!
I can think of no one more deserving. I worked with Ms. Fabian at Baker Elementary. She was the heart and soul of our school. She taught us (both staff and students) the importance of building relationships in order to support education.
Deirdre...congratulations on your nomination. If anyone would go the extra mile, I figured it would be you. (Incredible photos!)
Deirdre has committed her adult life to teaching, helping and protecting children. She is an asset at any school she has taught.
Deirdre is incredibly committed to her students and their well-being. She consistently goes above and beyond for her kids and her colleagues.
It is my privilege to recommend my former colleague, Deidre Fadian, to receive the LIFECHANGER OF THE YEAR AWARD.
Deidre is one of those teachers you come across once in a lifetime and she is truly is a life changer. Deidre is popular with students, parents, and colleagues.
Everyone love’s Deidre because she is a kind, loving, fun, and dedicated teacher who cares about all her students and always puts them first.
Deidre gets to know every student in her PE class and her approach involves finding and using her students’ unique strengths to help them overcome their weaknesses.
I had the privilege and honor to work with Deirdre when she taught physical education at South Topsail Elementary School. There are so many positives attributes I could say about Deirdre, that in fact, I could be writing a while just telling you about them. First of all, Deirdre’s love for teaching is her compassion. At South Topsail, I saw first hand the compassion she had for her students. They loved her and loved her positive spirit. She also had and still has a compassion for children with special needs . What a strong advocate Deirdre is for all children with challenges. When I think of Deirdre, I think Special Olympics. She was so involved in that organization and she was the biggest cheerleader for kids with challenges. Like I said before, I could go on and on about this dynamic teacher. I know she has touched many little lives and mine as well.
Im not sure how long this comment can or should be, but I will try to make my point quickly. I believe she came to my school when i was in the first grade at Topsail elementary, I remember having to be an "older kid" before we got her for P.E. and once we did, no one complained. When I hit 4th grade, my world came crashing down, my mother died of cancer. Not only did Ms. Fabian come to support me at my mother's funeral, but she took time out of her personal weekends to spend time with me. When I finally returned to school, I would look forward to seeing Ms. Fabian and be so grateful for her class. It was a time i didnt have to think, a time that was filled with movement and activity so even if I wanted to think there just wasnt time. I know this is probably supposed to be about her as a teacher, but there is so much more to her than that. After moving from NC to CA, i met up with Ms. Fabian, she was able to meet my kids, and she told me how proud of me she is. As I went back to school to persue a career in the medical field, I looked forward to her comments and support. As my children grew and my son wanted to start kickboxing, she even supported and encouraged him. Im now in my 30's, and I look forward to seeing the wonderful things she still does for her students. If it wasnt for P.E. with Ms. Fabian, I wouldnt have been able to "just breath". She isnt just a teacher, she's an amazing person with a heart of gold!
I was Deirdre’s colleague for the first five years of my career at Baker Elementary. She was so uplifting and truly the heart of school. She puts her heart and soul into her work and does everything that is for the best of her students. We were extremely sad when she left us years ago, but it has been wonderful watching her grow as an educator over the years.
Deidre’s spirit and excitement for teaching is infectious. She lights up a room with her larger than life personality and no one can keep her light from shining.
Deirdre is passionate about every aspect of physical education. She makes strong connections with the students, families, and communities that have a lasting impact on everyone.
Deidra is such an amazing person. I had the opportunity to meet Deidra at an outside boot camp class. She always motivated everyone to do there best and to never give up. Truly an amazing person that loves her job and the people she works with.
Ms. Fabian is such an awesome teacher and fantastic person She taught my son with special needs at Topsail elementary and Topsail middle. She has always been concerned with children that has special needs and brought such joy to their lives. She had such an impact on my son's life that has carried on his
Life and our whole family shared a great friendship with her and we all love her dearly. Wishing you the best always the Colemans
Deidre has always been an energetic and fun person who brings joy to those around her. I had the pleasure of working with Deidre when we were in college and returned home for the summer to work at the township recreation day camp. Deidre was an excellent camp counselor and always had the kids best interest at heart. The kids adored her. She made the kids forget it was hot and humid. I bet many of them still remember their summer with Deidre fondly. Simply put, Deidre is an amazing inspiration. I had fun that summer too!
Deidre is a truly caring teacher who really makes a difference in youngs people's lives! She is fun loving and very motivating!
I had the pleasure of working with Deidre as a new teacher and she was always an inspiration to the whole staff. She gives so much of herself to her students and colleagues. She is an amazing person!
Deirdre is passionate about her. It’s clear she cares about what she does and who she works with. She loves those kids and goes above and beyond to teach.
Coach Fabian is one of the most dedicated, motivated and full of compassion when it comes to working with students in her field. But she’s also a wonderful colleague. I was fortunate enough to work closely with her at Whittier and can say that she deserves to be recognize for all the work she has consistently done to ensure that students have a better educational experience.
This amazing woman has changed countless lives. Congratulations on your nomination, Ms. Fabian! You deserve the best :)
I worked with Ms Fabian for many years at Baker Elementary. No one worked harder and connected with the students and the staff than she did!!! I know that many lives were changed for the better because of he connections with our great student body!!!
Deirdre is the best PE teacher in the district; by leaps and bounds! She treats every student as an individual with individual needs. She’s amazing!
You are a great person to be around
Way to go Deidre! Keep up the good work!
Deidre was one of my student teachers. I have watched her throughout her teaching career and can state, without any reservations, that this is a person born to teach. Her ideas are big, but her heart is huge. She loves her “children” and they respect and love her in return. Schools often state “no child left behind”, but Deidre puts these words into action each and everyday. I am honored to have watched her grow in wisdom and excitement for her chosen field...teaching.
I taught elementary school for 32 years and had the privilege to work with Deirdre for a number of years years. She was by far the best physical education teacher I worked with in my entire career. She had the respect of her students as well as her fellow teachers and administrators. Deirdre always had the best interests of her students at the forefront of her daily interaction with them. She would be very worthy of this award!
Fabulous job supporting the special education community in San Diego Diedre!!!
Ms Fabian is amazing. I had the pleasure of working with her at Whittier and I can not express enough what a positive influence she had on every part of that school. Students, families, and staff were lucky to have her energy, spirit, kindness and patience.
I have had the honor of seeing Deidre work her magic in a career that she is very passionate about. She was my one of my mentors as I performed some of my student teaching under her leadership and she later became a colleague. Deidre's love and devotion to students are demsonstrated in every lesson, every activity, and every event she puts together because they all come from the heart. Our education system needs more educators like her and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to have worked side by side with her! Although she never seeks honor and recognition for herself, please consider her for this award because she deserves it and I am certain she represents the title "life changer" to countless students across several states over the years!
I had Ms. Fabian for elementary gym in the 90's. She had a passion for health and wellness, and a zest for life unlike any other. She was a positive role model and always looked out for those with disabilities. What I remember most is her heart..well, that and running (i still hate running, but do it begrudgingly). She is selfless, endearing and the total package as a person and educator.
I had the pleasure of working with Ms. Fabian for a year and she is an amazing and dedicated teacher! Always stepping in when needed without hesitation and ALWAYS working in the best interest of the students! She is a phenomenal woman with a heart of gold and a true champion for the rights of students and staff!
If you know Deirdre Fabian you know how dedicated and passionate she is about her work. She truly is one of the kindest and most giving people I have ever met. Congrats for the nomination !!!!
I had the pleasure of having Ms Fabian early in her career as a teacher. As a child who wasn’t “athletically gifted” I hated PE class but I loved going to her class because she always made it fun. I still remember her showing us a demonstration of boxing, something she did outside of school. It was cool to see what our teachers did outside of class.
Deirdre never fails to put the students first, and is their biggest advocate and champion in every situation. She truly has put her heart and soul into bettering the lives of the special education students she serves.
Without a doubt, Deirdre is the most caring, innovative, passionate PE teachers that I know!! She challenges all of her students and instills confidence, courage, and a love for fitness. She’s able to connect with the most challenging students and does it with a smile everyday!! She truly is a one of a kind teacher!!
You rock, Deirdre! Good luck!
You are one of the best educators I've ever known!
