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Educator • Advocate • Lifelong Learner
Special Education • Autism • Higher Education

I Teach children with autism--but they've taught me far more.
Their strengths, honesty, and perseverance have shaped me into the educator I am today.
Meet Dr. Deborah (Debi) Parker, Ed.D.
Autism · Behavior · Special Education

Teaching students with disabilities—especially students on the autism spectrum—has shaped not only my career, but the person I’ve become. My students have taught me more about patience, honesty, creativity, and resilience than any book ever could. They remind me every day that learning isn’t one-size-fits-all and that every child deserves to be truly seen, understood, and supported.
Over the past 27 years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching in general education, Pre-K structured autism programs, resource classrooms, and specialized special education settings across multiple grade levels. These experiences deepened my commitment to inclusive, meaningful instruction and strengthened my passion for supporting both students and educators.
I earned my Ed.D. in Special Education from Liberty University and advanced credentials in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Special Education from the University of Kansas. In addition to my K–12 experience, I serve as an online Adjunct Instructor at William Peace University, where I help prepare future educators. My experience also includes virtual instruction, IEP development and implementation, behavior support, and collaboration with teachers and families.
What drives me most is the belief that every learner has strengths worth celebrating and every educator deserves support. Helping teachers feel confident—and helping students feel capable—is the heart of my work and the reason I love what I do.