LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

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Debi Banks

Position: Retiring Second Grade Teacher
School: Warfield Elementary School
School District: Martin County School District
City, State: Indiantown, FL

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Debi Banks was nominated by her assistant principal, Jean Ferreira.

"I have had the pleasure of supervising Debi for the past seven years," said Ferreira. "She has impressed me with her ceaseless dedication and contagious enthusiasm. She epitomizes what successful teaching is all about. Her passion for education stimulates the interest and excitement of her young audience. Mrs. Banks demonstrates a true devotion to the students in her classroom."

Mrs. Banks brings genuineness and a sense of compassion to her teaching duties. She never rests until every student has mastered the concepts presented, even if that means completely revamping a lesson or devising a modified educational strategy. In addition to exceptional content area instruction, Mrs. Banks has consistently focused on molding her students into caring, compassionate citizens of the community, state, country, and world. Her talent at presenting and promoting the Golden Rule is second-to none. She teaches her students by example to be kind, caring, and empathetic to everyone. Her natural rapport facilitates her ability to form strong, lasting relationships with students, making them always feel safe and supported.

Mrs. Banks is an active participant in school committees and activities. She is highly respected by her teammates and school colleagues. She is a wealth of knowledge, and she willingly shares her expertise with teachers, especially those new to the profession. Mrs. Banks is also a dynamic contributing member to crucial school groups, including the Warfield Literacy Cabinet and the Green School Committee. Her assistance has helped improve the level of instruction at her school and has made Warfield Elementary a respected Green School of Excellence.

In addition to her incredible teaching abilities, Mrs. Banks is a dedicated, energetic community member, as well. She is an active parishioner at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Indiantown, Florida and a respected volunteer at the Indiantown Community Service Center. She freely gives her time, talents, and treasures to both organizations.

"It is with extreme pride and without reservation that I provide this reference for Mrs. Debi Banks. Her passion and dedication have well served the Martin County School District for the past twenty-three years," said Ferreira.

Comments (14)

Teri Cusack Posted over a year ago

I worked with Debi Banks for over 7 years. She is selfless and totally devoted to the children in her care. I can't think of a better candidate for this award.

Patricia Roblero Posted over a year ago

Best teacher that any student would have and I enjoyed working with her as a Paraprofessional. Always motivated the students on their lessons and with a smile on her face. Mrs. Banks is a teacher that wouldn’t be forgotten; we will always have a place for her at Warfield Elementary School.

Alcira Gonzalez Posted over a year ago

Ms. Banks, congratulations on your retirement. Thank you for making a difference in so many students’ life. Enjoy your retirement!

Raquel Tuff Posted over a year ago

Mrs. Banks is a very compassionate teacher who goes above and beyond for her students and colleagues. Her luminous personality lights up any room she walks in and she will be missed. Thank you for being such a positive and influential role model and I wish you the best in this next chapter of your life.

Jean Colon Posted over a year ago

Mrs. Banks, I still remember the day we met at WES. Thank you for always being so kind. I have no doubt that you are going to be miss. Enjoy your retirement! Love, Jean Colon

Lucia Mendoza Posted over a year ago

Mrs. Banks treats her students like they are her own. She does an amazing job with not only just teaching them the required academics but also with building on their character. Her relationship with her students are for a lifetime not just for a school year. I am honored to have worked with you, Mrs. Banks, and seen first hand the love show your students! Luv ya!

Cindi Bocken Posted over a year ago

Debi truly lives her life by the Golden Rule. The children and community of Indiantown have been blessed by her dedication and love of teaching. She was a wonderful mentor to other teachers. She worked tirelessly and was devoted to her students, colleagues and the community.

Alexis Rooney Posted over a year ago

Hey friend. I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate you as a teacher and a friend. I wouldn't be the teacher I am without you. You made being at Warfield an easy adjustment. You helped me through everything that was new to me. For that, I will be forever grateful!!! I could never say this to you in person because I would be in tears, but you kept me sane in the worst parts of my life. You listened, you came to help me when I needed you. You stayed with me through the hardest thing thing a daughter has to do. When me own sisters wouldn't. You counseled me and cared for me like no one else. I couldn't say it on the live today, it wouldn't have come out the right way. I love you and wish you all the happiness in the world. When life opens up again I want to go out with you. You are an amazing woman who has touched so very many lives. I am honored to have taught with you and to be able to call you friend!!!! Happy retirement!!

Debi Bacchiochi Posted over a year ago

Way to go Mrs. Banks! So lucky my granddaughter had you as her teacher.

Rosa Mendoza Posted over a year ago

She’s an amazing teacher. She went above and beyond for her class. My daughter adored Mrs. Banks!! Thank you an incredible teacher. You will be missed at Warfield!!

Angie Gilbride Posted over a year ago

Debi, It has been a pleasure knowing you are a colleague & later as a supervisor for over 16 years! Your kind heart & passion for students is inspiring to all! I will miss you positivity, kindness, love, & golden rule passion! You leave a legacy at Warfield! I wish you well & you will be greatly missed!

Jean Posted over a year ago

This special woman has been my best friend for 40 years. She is one of the most courageous, intelligent, caring woman I have ever known. I was with her every step of the way as she started school and was with her as she received each degree. I could not be more proud of this woman to be nominated. Every child that had Deborah Banks as a teacher is much richer because of her love and desire to be the best teacher she could be for them. I know she is respected and admired by many educators. Debi is truly a pillar of the community and a true leader. She is a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, auntie, and one of the best friends a person could ever have. Debi is like a sister to me and I am so very proud of her. Congratulations to a phenomenal, beautiful woman.

Robin newman Posted over a year ago

Debi has always been helpful in the community back to when our girls were in Girl Scouts together then the middle school band years and the high school band years! I have known her since I had first moved to indiantown back in 87. She was and is always involved in the community and truly cares about it and the people in it. It was her encouragement that put me back in college while working full time and two school kids to earn my teaching degree. Just don’t ask either of us to do an oral Spanish test quiz??. She well deserves and has earned the honor!!

Connie Whitaker Posted over a year ago

I don’t know or have not met anyone more deserving of this Lifechanger Award than my dear friend, Deborah Rogers Banks. Remembering the many years of study Debi put into becoming a teacher, she never wavered in her decision. I have witnessed her hard work and dedication throughout the years. You could ask the many students Debi has taught and I will guarantee every one of them will say, “I Love Mrs. Banks, she is the BEST teacher in the world.”