@image /content/dam/pebblegodev/blog/debbie-spotlight.png PebbleGo Community member spotlight graphic. The image shows the PebbleGo Next homepage I was thrilled to interview [b]Debbie Tannenbaum[/b] for this month’s Community Member Spotlight. A veteran educator, author, mother, and ISTE Qualified Educator, Debbie shares her experience in education, her belief in [b]intentional technology use,[/b] and tips for educators just beginning their technology integration journey! @h6 A Love for Learning That Never Left Debbie has always loved reading. As a child, she gravitated toward fiction, getting lost in stories and characters. Today, her shelves are filled with nonfiction books that challenge her thinking, stretch her perspective, and feed her curiosity. Debbie proudly describes herself as a [b]lifelong learner[/b], and it’s clear that love of learning has shaped every step of her 27-year journey in education. Even before stepping into the classroom, Debbie was a magnet for kids. Wherever she went, she found herself organizing activities, creating games, and helping children feel [b]included and engaged.[/b] Though many people told her [i]not[/i] to become a teacher, Debbie knew exactly what she wanted. Helping kids wasn’t just something she enjoyed, it was who she was. @h6 Discovering the Magic of Technology In her very first year of teaching, Debbie experienced what she calls the [b]“magic of technology”[/b] a moment that completely changed her world. She realized that tech wasn’t about bells and whistles; it was about creativity, critical thinking, and curation. “I love the fact that I can come in and help students discover,” Debbie shares. “I love helping them see that creativity already lives inside them.” For Debbie, the best professional learning doesn’t happen in isolation or at a conference session. It happens alongside students. She believes teachers grow most when they learn [i]with[/i] kids, modeling curiosity, reflection, and a willingness to try something new. @h6 Author, Educator, Role Model In 2021, Debbie published her book [b][i]Transform Techy Notes to Make Learning Sticky,[/b][/i] inspired by the many educators she admired and learned from on social media. Today, her book sits proudly on display for her students to see. One student once told her, “You’re famous!” She loves that her students can see someone from their everyday lives accomplish something big. It’s a powerful reminder that they can, too. Debbie models this mindset not only for her students, but also for her four children. Two of them are entering the field of education, something she beams with pride about. “I’ve contributed to two future educators in the world,” she shares. @h6 Reading With Purpose and Reflection Debbie motivates students to read by putting books in front of them that feel [b]relatable, engaging, and meaningful.[/b] Her goal isn’t just to get kids reading, it’s to give them choice and [b]voice[/b] in how they [b]reflect[/b] and share their learning. This has led to success and strong relationships amongst her students which is something she truly values as an educator. Debbie’s current favorite nonfiction book, [i]Be Seen[/i] by Jen Gottlieb, has become a personal reset when the noise of the world gets loud. “When you challenge yourself and put yourself out there, amazing things can happen,” Debbie explains. This year, she’s focusing on strengthening her mind and her connections with others by choosing a daily challenge and reflecting on it each night in a journal. As part of that reflection, Debbie used generative AI to help identify words that represent the areas she wants to grow in turning them into her personal goals for the new year. @h6 PebbleGo Supports Every Learner At Saratoga Elementary School, Debbie works in a community that serves many students with disabilities, multilingual learners, or both. With an enhanced autism program and a comprehensive service site for students with emotional disabilities, accessibility isn’t optional, it’s essential. PebbleGo’s audio scaffolds allow students to access content without feeling separated or singled out. Debbie loves that students get to decide: [i]Am I going to read this, or listen to it?[/i] She never has to worry about whether the support is there; it simply is. “PebbleGo allows students to engage in a way that works for them,” Debbie shares. “That choice is powerful.” @h6 From the Tech Pro Herself Debbie also supports teachers as they integrate technology meaningfully, and she’s quick to reassure those who feel hesitant. [b]Q: If you could give one tip to educators just starting with PebbleGo, what would it be?[/b] [b]A:[/b] “Don’t make it complicated. Just let kids explore. If they’re learning about something, see if there’s an article and let them listen, read, and reflect. Sometimes we overcomplicate things, and PebbleGo is simple, and there aren’t a lot of things that are.” [b]Q: How do you support teachers in using PebbleGo intentionally?[/b] [b]A:[/b] “I never tell teachers to use something unless it provides value they wouldn’t have without the technology. Everything starts with pedagogy first. We use PebbleGo because it offers high-quality content, videos to build background knowledge, visuals, and audio. We’re not using it because it’s ‘cool’, we’re using it with intention.” @image /content/dam/pebblegodev/blog/debbie-footer.png An image of an tech coach with a green and blue background @h6 Empowered to Keep Growing Debbie is deeply involved in [b]ISTE[/b] (the International Society for Technology in Education), where she feels empowered as an educator and leader. She’s especially proud to be an [b]ISTE Qualified Educator,[/b] another reflection of her commitment to growth, purpose, and impact. Whether she’s supporting students, mentoring teachers, writing books, or reflecting on her own learning, Debbie shows us what it looks like to lead with curiosity and heart. Her story is a reminder that when we challenge ourselves, embrace creativity, and learn alongside our students, learning doesn’t just happen, it sticks. @h6 Ready to Lead? Become a PebbleGo Pro Inspired by Debbie’s intentional, student-centered approach? You can lead PebbleGo with the same confidence and purpose in your own space. The upcoming [b]PebbleGo Certification Program[/b] is designed to help educators deepen their understanding, use PebbleGo with intention, and feel empowered to support both students and colleagues. Ready to take the next step? Fill out the [url=https://bit.ly/490TC3U]interest form[/url] to be one step closer to becoming a [b]PebbleGo Pro[/b] and bring meaningful, accessible learning to life in your classroom or school. Don’t forget to join the [url=https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=xzFEqESvvUusTmY82ngRPw7yNaAOIsRMuLJp8470EAdUNTFFUUJDR1lGSjJYNElFUk5XSUtTQVlVSiQlQCN0PWcu]PebbleGo Community[/url] to see, share, and implement new ideas into your space! We are excited to connect with you! @button #8DF1FF https://www.pebblego.com/resources/community Join the Community