I have been a national consultant since 2000, but I still have “those ‘back-to-school’ dreams in the fall.” After playing school in the basement of my childhood home in Lititz, Pennsylvania, I earned my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Millersville University and Temple University and spent the next thirty years as an educator.
My love of teaching stems from my love of learning. I have always loved learning. Becoming a teacher was a way I could share that love of learning with children and eventually, adults.
A big part of my learning is listening to teachers and their professional development needs. When I work with teachers, I try to understand their needs by finding out what they know and listening to their questions. Then I begin where they are and work with them to help them take the next steps toward where they (and/or their school systems) want (them) to be. I believe in professional reading and professional learning communities, and support teachers in their quest to best meet the needs of all students in their classrooms.
My ideas for my books also come from my work with teachers. I listen for frequently asked questions, patterns, teachers’ needs and keep a writer’s notebook to collect ideas, thoughts, and notes. Often, the old joke comes to mind: “how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” That’s how I write: Bit by bit, on planes, in hotel rooms, in my office on a rare day. Teachers’ questions and comments spur me on through my daily, ongoing work in classrooms, which sustains my work.”
I love spending time with my family– my son and daughter, their spouses, and my two grandchildren!. I enjoy spending time outdoors, especially walking, hiking, biking, and exploring. .
Copyright notice: All of the written materials and images on this blog are the property of Debbie Diller. No reproduction without written permission from the author.
Deb, you are going to get a kick out of this! I have gone back to teaching 6th grade math in Richardson after 6 years in the corporate world. I was in a wonderful inservice today, and the teacher said she LOVED Debbie Diller! I said “she is a friend of mine!” I’m sure the class thought I was a huge suck-up! If only they knew I really was a friend of yours!!!!
I hope I can make it to your Garland stop this Fall. Love you!!!!
Cori Pratt
HI!
We would like to inquire about attending one of your workshops. Do you have a schedule? Also, how much are your fees for consulting a small district in Mount Shasta, CA?
THanks so much!
Mona Gutierrez
Title 1 Teacher
MSES
Mount Shasta, CA 96067
(We have your books! We know you would be so helpful to us!)
Hi Mona,
If you’d like information, I’ll have my associate, Gretchen Childs, contact you. She takes care of all our scheduling. If you send me your email address via http://www.debbiediller.com (contact me page), I’ll have Gretchen get in touch with you.
Thanks so much!
Debbie
Hi Debbie!!!
My colleague and friend, Lorelei Scatamacchia, told me about your blog. So, here I am….loving the info and tips I am reading.
Are you coming near Memphis, Tn. anytime in the future?
Hello Anna Lee. Tell Lorelei thanks! Glad you found my blog. No plans to be in Memphis. Sorry. We have two upcoming institutes. One is in Richmond, VA in April, and the other is in Houston in July.
I just was reminded of the list of computer sites that we compiled when you were in Lafayette, IN a while ago. I wanted to add one of my favorites and forgot to do it. The site is our local library – brook.lib.in.us. At the bottom of the home page is a link to Tumble books. It works like an animated listening center with hundreds of titles. The way I understand it, our library pays for the subscription so that anyone who logs onto their site may use it for free. It is definitely worth a look!!
I am a first year teacher and I love your books!! Thank you for all the wonderful tips!!
I was wondering what you thoughts were on Florida Reading Centers? The school I currently teach at is having everyone implement these centers into their classroom. I was curious if you had used them before.
Thanks!
Jamie
Hi Jamie,
I have not personally used the Florida Reading Center materials, but many teachers have told me they like them.
Debbie
Hello Debbie!
I was able to hear you last week in Toronto at the For the Love of Reading Conference. I bought one of your books on Work Stations. I can definitely see how I can use literacy work stations in high school. You asked me to keep in touch to let you know how it goes with the centres and I will as soon as I implement them. I am working on it.
I wanted you to know your presentation was very much appreciated.
Shelley
Thanks so much, Shelley! I appreciate your writing to me. Do keep in touch. Can’t wait to hear how you adapt the model and what your students do with it. I loved being with all of you in Toronto!
Debbie
Debbie,
I had the privledge of working with you a few years ago. I taught Kindergarten for Janice Powell (Schochler Primary). After battling years of infertility, I was blessed with giving birth to triplets in 2007. I have been out of the classroom since then but am returning this coming fall.
I just want you to know that of all the workshops I have attended, I find your philosophy of teaching the most inspiring. After reading all the information on your website, I’m actually excited to not only use your methods, but share them with fellow teachers. Channelview is a bit of a drive, so I will be applying to the Humble School District. I’m not sure if they know about you there, but if they don’t, they will soon. 🙂
Thank you for all you do,
Jessica Pickrell
Dear Jessica,
Wow! Thanks so much for your kind comments. I loved working with all of you at Schochler Primary and have fond memories of our time together there! Congratulations on your blessings of 3 babies. That is quite something! I have done a lot of work in Humble ISD and will be doing training there in August. Hope to see you then.
All my best,
Debbie
Hi Debbie,
I just tried to register for your IRA session, and it was sold out! Please add the Visual Thesaurus to your list of good computer station sites. And if you send me your email, I will happily send you a subscription.
Here is a Visual Thesaurus trial login for everybody:
Username: trial3@visualthesaurus.com
Password: kneed886
Expires: April 19, 2010
Check out the cool VocabGrabber tool as well:
http://www.visualthesaurus.com/vocabgrabber
Best,
Georgia
Hi Georgia,
Sorry about not being able to get into the IRA session. I was told it’s been sold out for a while.
Thank you so much for these sites! Can’t wait to look at them. You can email me at d.diller@live.com.
Again, thanks!
Debbie
p.s. If you get a chance, stop by the Stenhouse booth where I’ll be signing books. They will have a schedule posted there.
I would like to attend one of your workshops. Where can I locate information about the dates and times of your upcoming workshops?
I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop especially the great advice afterward. The moments shared touched me professionally and emotionally. Thank you for your many years of research, sacrifice and commitment. I will definitely give you an update after I implement all the wonderful coaching strategies you shared with me. As my students say, thanks for the “real talk”.
Dear Sage,
It was lovely meeting you! I really enjoyed our conversation, too. Thanks for your dedication to your students and teachers. Please do keep me posted!
Hi Debbie,
Although I’m supposed to be “on summer vacation,” I’ve spent most of it soaking up your books rather than the sun! I’ve really enjoyed them, by the way, and have a question for you. I’m transitioning from 3rd to 1st grade this fall, and I have a very extensive classroom library. Even after reducing the number of books that will be beyond my students’ levels, I still have about 1,000 or so. I’m thinking that size classroom library would overwhelm 1st graders…Do you have any advice for me? Thank you!
Wendy
Hi Wendy,
Thanks for commenting! I’d sort the books into piles. Put all the beginning of 1st grade stuff in one, and begin with the books at the start of the year. Some of the books will probably be too hard for your first graders. Box those up and label them 3rd grade classroom library books. Store those at home (you may not have room in your classroom). Gradually add more books as students get used to working in “their” classroom library. Hope this helps!
Debbie
Love your Spaces & Places book! It changed my room last year and I felt better! The kids loved it and became hands-on and independent!
Debbie,
I love all the books and ideas you share! Thanks so much. I want to buy the task cards but it looks like they are sold out! Well, doesn’t that figure. Your things are so helpful.
Suzanne,
I checked with Really Good Stuff. There was a snafu with the printer. I’m SO sorry!!! I have nothing to do with the distribution of these materials. They should be back in stock in a few weeks. Please try again.
Thanks,
Debbie
Hi Debbie,
I just wanted to thank you. I transitioned from teaching intermediate to primary a few years ago, and your center approach to teaching literacy made simple and effective is just what I needed in order to implement a balanced literacy program for young grade one and two students! The children especially enjoy their center time! Thank you for helping me find a way to effectively and practically fit it all in, and teach in a fun and engaging way! I hope to see you at Reading for the love of it this year in Toronto!
Kindest regards,
Louise
Hi Debbie,
I wanted to share my classroom website with you (www.missrsterczek.com). At your convenience, check it out. Let me know your thoughts.
Raquel
Louise, I will be at Reading for the Love of It in Toronto. Please stop by and introduce yourself to me! Looking forward to seeing you in Feb.
Debbie
Hi Debbie,
Greetings from a fellow Millersville alum Class of ’77. I think we both lived in Lyle Hall together in 1973-74! If so it would be wonderful to reconnect with a long lost friend!
On another note I love your books and was so excited to get my Math Work Stations book in the mail yesterday.
Hoping to hear from you…so much to share!
Sue
Hi Sue,
Yes, I was there at the time! I graduated in 1976. When I saw Sue Devlin, I thought, “I know that name!” Now I know why it looked familiar! Please send me your email address through my website at http://www.debbiediller.com and I’ll get in touch.
Thanks,
Debbie
Hi Debbie,
I recently bought your new book, Math Work Stations, and I can’t put it down! All the effort you placed in this latest book was all worth it. It is well written, beautiful to look at, and full of ideas that anyone can implement immediately. This is what I have always been looking for-the best PD yet. Thank you! Keep up the great work!
Maria
Thank you, Maria. I appreciate your taking the time to write to me. This book took me two years to write and was a labor of love. I’m so glad to hear how it’s helping you!
Debbie
I’m a literacy coach and I really appreciated your work on literacy stations. I’m trying to tailor these ideas to fit a middle school setting. I think it’s great that you are accessible through a blog! 🙂
Just wanted to give you a HUGE WOW for your new book Mat Work Stations! YAY for you and for the huge help this will be for so many teachers. All the color pictures are great!
Melissa
Texas
Math… sorry! Can’t type this morning!
Thanks for all your positive feedback on Math Work Stations. I am so excited by the response to this new book!!!
Debbie,
Don’t know if you remember me but if you have a chance can you give me a call. Penny Ezell 479-595-4345 I would like to talk to you about middle school and common core standards.
Dear Debbie, I was wondering if you were going to be at any workshop/conferences in Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Salt Lake City, or Montana this summer. I am interested in going to one of your workshops. Thank You! I’ll be waiting to hear from you.
Marlyce Kocher
Dear Marlyce,
I’m afraid I’ve never spoken in any of those states! Sorry that I’m not on the docket to be there.
Debbie
What states have you been in that area close to the ones I asked you about? Have you ever been to Denver, CO. If so are you planning on going back there again and when? Thanks!
Marlyce
Debbie,
Sorry about all the questions. I was also wondering if you go to Minneapolis, MN. Thanks!
Marlyce
Hi Marlyce,
I don’t mind you asking questions. We are planning to come to Denver, CO in the fall! Please check out my FB page and/or my website for updates. We haven’t chosen dates yet, but it is in the plans!
Please keep in touch.
Debbie
Debbie,
I was able to attend one one of your workshops last summer in Killeen, Tx. I didn’t sign up, I just showed up with a friend. This year I signed up and I’m on the wait list but I’m coming, credit or not. :0 I taught 2nd grade GT and the literacy centers were great for their independence. I still have trouble with noise level. Those kids love to talk and are passionate about what they have to say. I saw the way you reorganized the teacher’s room. Is there another step when you add the Math stations? Will we get the Math books or do I need to go a head and buy mine before the workshop? Hope to see you June 30 in Killeen.
Be safe in your travels,
Thanks
Laurie Sigafoose
Hi Laurie,
Look forward to seeing you in Killeen! Check with the district people to see if you’re getting the book. I don’t have that info with me, as I’m on the road. I do plan for space for math when I’m setting up a classroom these days. I’ll talk about that step when I’m in Killeen later this month.
See you soon,
Debbie
Debbie,
I have been reading your book “Math Work Stations” and LOVE it. I actually found the book earlier this school year, and right away started reading the free preview, and am reading it again. Thank you so much for that! This is will be my 2nd year teaching (Kindergarten), and your ideas have really helped! I was just wondering if you have any advice on using Math Stations with the Saxon math program. I don’t really care for Saxon at all (too scripted and I don’t think the students get a chance to really understand the concepts before they are “assessed”), but just wondered your thoughts.
Thanks!
Christopher
Christopher,
Thanks for writing. Glad you have found the Math Work Stations book helpful! I have worked with some schools that use Saxon math. I helped them look through each lesson and use the ones that fit the state standards the best (and not use the rest). We also looked at how to group lessons around the same topic rather than skip around so much as this program tends to do.
Hope this helps you,
Debbie
Do you have plans for task cards for Math Work Station? I just have this feeling I will create a set, and then, TA-DAH, there will be the “already made” ones. I’m a big fan — loving my Math Work Stations book this summer and getting ready for fall.
Debbie, I have been a big fan for years and have used many of your ideas during my 37 years of teaching k in WV. I’ve also heard you speak many times. I have not see you mention the website Pinterest yet. I’ve gotten addicted to the wonderful ideas that teachers share on this website!
Hi, I checked out your website today and didn’t see any speaking dates after June. How often do you update your speaking dates. I am hoping to ask my district if I can go to a math workshop and it takes months to get approved.
Thanks in advance.
Heidi
Thanks for the heads-up, Heidi. I’ll have to get my speaking schedule updated! Have been in “summer mode” a bit. (:
Debbie
Thank you!
…for letting us all come along and listen, learn, and laugh with you.
~Tina
Debbie,
I am in search of some advice. I value your work and am hoping you might have some insight. I will be teaching third grade and I will have my class for whole group core reading time, but I will have a leveled class for focused instruction groups. Those kids will be a mix of all three classes and are reading at an average level. I have always approached reading from a work shop model and I am having a hard time figuring out how to reconcile the fact that the kids who will be receiving my whole group instruction will not necessarily be the ones I will be meeting in small groups with. Do you have any advice on how I might structure my instruction given this set up. I have 45 minutes for small groups and 45 minutes for whole group. Thank you!
Marie,
I also approach teaching reading from a workshop model and believe in connecting whole group to small group instruction over time. The only possible solution I can think of is to plan closely as a team, so the instruction in all the classrooms is parallel during whole group. Be on the same page as a team and share ideas for how you will teach in whole group. Teach with explicit language and create anchor charts that you can share from class to class with your students. All the best to you! Debbie
Debbie,
My district has made the decision to raise the end-of-year kindergarten reading benchmark to Level 6 (F). I have concerns about this decision in light of the fact that our new standards (Common Core) do not address the long vowel patterns present in this text level until first grade. (Training with the CC standards has focused on going deeper–not wider.) While I have a number of students each year who achieve this level, others need more time–especially those who arrive at kindergarten with gaps in language development. I have been reviewing research to determine whether I have missed new information in this area. I would be grateful for any information or thoughts you might share.
Deborah,
I understand your concerns about the end of year benchmark for kindergarten. You are wise to consult the Common Core State Standards. My advice is to share this information with policy makers in your district. One district I worked closely with found that kindergarten students who were reading at Level C/ DRA 4 were proficient on their state reading test in grade 3, whereas kindergarten students who were reading at Level C/ DRA 3 did not do as well. I don’t have written data to share with you, though. All my best to you.
Debbie
Hi Debbie,
Well, quite some time has passed since you & I shared a shuttle to the Denver, CO airport from the CCIRA conference in February. I was in the process of getting my CA teaching credential while student teaching third grade, and you graciously offered me wonderful suggestions for some literacy lesson observations I had coming up. (You also shared with me about your beloved Great Dane… 🙂
I thought of you today as I booked my flight to Denver for the 2012 CCIRA conference. I am now a credentialed teacher (hurray!) teaching my own third-grade class (double-hurray!) and I just wanted to thank you for your enthusiastic words of encouragement. They have stayed with me, and your books have helped me develop my efforts at effectively instructing my students. Will you be attending the CCIRA conference in February again? Perhaps we can again share a ride together, if so. 🙂 Hope all is well with you & yours.
Sincerely,
Jaime Davis
Debbie,
I was just wondering if you were going to be at the CCIRA in February. I am trying to find out what other conferences you are going to be at, close to Wyoming, that my K teachers and I could go to. Do you know where you will be presenting? We are using your language and Math Stations books. I hope to get finished with both of them soon. I keep switching things around.
Marlyce
Hi Marilyn,
Sorry that I won’t be at CCIRA this year. However, we may be scheduling our own institute in CO (probably the Denver area) this spring. Please stay tuned to my website for more details. I should have something posted about 3-4 months in advance of the event.
Thanks for your support of this work!
Debbie
I just got your math workstation book and I LOVE IT! I have my entire first grade hooked on it and my API as well. I just purchased your literacy station books to get ideas from those as well. This year we started with COMMON CORE in Math and Reading. Your book just goes hand in hand with what we are learning. Thank you so much! I hope that we can get you in NC to do a workshop 🙂
Hi Debbie,
I am came up with a center chart that goes along with your book. I would love to share it with you. So, far 7 teachers are using it at my school.
Liz, Please post pictures of your center chart. I would love to see it. Thanks!
Marlyce
Hi Debbie! I went to your workshop in Hammond, Indiana last year…I tried to teach you how to use google reader. Anyway, I am a blogger for TBA (http://www.teachingblogaddict.com/) & my blog (http://www.seusstastic.blogspot.com) & would love to interview you on blog talk radio for TBA.It would be a 10-15 minute segment that teachers, students & home school parents would love! My name is Melissa Dillard…aka Mel D @ seustasticblogspot@gmail.com
Would love to hear from you!
Hi Debbie. I teach 5th grade and love your book Math Work Stations K-2, and have heard that there is one for 3-5. I have looked on different websites to purchase it and cannot find it. Is there such a book? If so, how can I buy it?
Michelle,
There is currently not a math stations book for 3-5, but I hope to write one in the future!
Hi Debbie,
I am a kindergarten teacher, and I spent last summer reading your books. I loved them! This past year, I implemented your literacy work stations with my k students, and I saw a great deal of academic gains! In addition, I was more at ease and organized than in the past when I would try to fit in four and five rotations a day! Thank you for your insight! I follow your blog, and I love the poetry you share. I have even been able to use some of them with my kindergarten students at the Poetry Station!
I’m loving Pinterest! I came across this blog with a link to music centers. I teach music and I’m a poet as well, so I was happy to see your “Poetry Friday.” Nice to meet you!
Mrs. Diller,
Hello, I teach first grade in Rutledge,TN. I love teaching first grade. I purchased your book Spaces & Places: Designing Classrooms for Literacy and enjoyed it. Anyway, I do have a couple of questions for you. I have an extensive amount if books in my classroom. Not only does it take up tons of space, but it seems that it is a bit overwhelming at times for my students when choosing books. Do you suggest that I kept some of them put up and switch the books out quarterly? I also was wanting to move my whole group area from the back of the classroom to the front of the classroom near my white board and projector. The back of the room does not have a bulletin board or a white board. Do you think that that is the right thing to do? Sorry, I know that the email is a bit much, but I truly value your work. Please email me back, I would greatly appreciate it.
Misty Hayes
Hi Debbie,
I am a grade 3/4 teacher, and I just recently purchased your math work stations book. As I am wanting to create some more hands-on activities for my class. Do you have another book for math workstations for older primary to intermediate? Or do you have tips and ideas for setting up stations that are a little more advanced? We will be going into this unit in math in January: Multiplication and division, followed by Measurement, then geometry, then length perimeter and area, fractions and finally probability.
Thanks Michelle
Debbie,
I am a special education teacher from Elm Street Elementary in Rome, Georgia. I have invented a number line to 10,000,000 and other math manipulatives that address the standards of fractions, decimals, money, weight, and elapsed time. I have also designed low vision and braille manipulatives that are recommended by the American Printing House for the Blind and created hybrid games of Sorry! and Bingo.
Please visit my website http://www.slidearound.com for more information.I recently did a presentation at the 2013 Kentucky CEC Conference and discussed differentiation in the classroom. Feel free to call 706-506-8411 or send me an email if you have any comments or questions. Thanks for your time and help sharing my ideas.
Have a great day!
Jim