Deborah Stringfellow serves as a fourth grade language arts teacher at Airport Road Intermediate School in Coosada, Alabama. As a first-generation high school and college graduate, Stringfellow’s journey began under challenging circumstances. Her parents, constrained by economic hardships, had to forgo their own educational aspirations. Stringfellow found solace and joy in school, a passion that drove her to support others in their educational pursuits, including assisting her mother in obtaining a General Education Diploma (GED).

Stringfellow earned her Bachelor of Science in elementary education and Master of Science in special education from Troy University, followed by an education specialist’s degree in administration and supervision from Lincoln Memorial University. In 2001, while teaching first grade, she became the first teacher in her district to achieve National Board Certification, a credential she renewed in 2011 while teaching seventh grade.

With four decades of teaching experience, Stringfellow believes success lies in fostering a lifelong love of learning and nurturing each student’s potential. Her commitment is evident in her efforts to create a nurturing and inclusive environment that values diversity, celebrates perseverance and transforms challenges into learning opportunities. Despite numerous accolades, her greatest satisfaction comes from the daily privilege of inspiring and educating her students and colleagues.

Stringfellow impacts the wider educational community through her initiative, Sowing Seeds: Growing Teachers, which involves partnering with schools and universities. Stringfellow dedicates her time to mentoring new teachers, empowering experienced educators with essential resources and presenting at conferences.