Debbye Warrell serves as the Treasurer/Secretary for the Hernando County Education Foundation

2008 Hernando County Teacher of the Year

Debbye grew up in Lee County, Florida and considers herself to be a “native” of Florida.  She was originally from Michigan and moved here before her 8th birthday.

Debbye is married to Tom Warrell and has three children and six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

She received her BA and MA from the University of South Florida and her ELA from National Louis University. She has been in the field of education for 45 years.

Debbye started her teaching career in Cape Coral, Florida at Caloosa Elementary.  When Pelican Elementary opened, she was hired as a 4th grade teacher then went into the library.  Debbye has been a Librarian (Media Specialist) ever since.

Debbye helped to open Challenger K-8 here in Hernando County in 2008.  In 2022 she moved to the District Office as Lead District Media Specialist.

She has sat on the Hernando County Education Foundation Board of Directors since 2006 when she was named Hernando County Teacher of the Year in 2007/2008.

Debbye has helped lead the Teacher of the Year and the School Related Employee of the Year recognition programs ever since.