Debra Gaffney, fifth-grade teacher at Oceanlake Elementary School in Lincoln City, helps colleagues incorporate Oregon's new instructional and assessment standards into their teaching practices. Mrs. Gaffney pioneered portfolio assessment at Oceanlake, and created a portfolio program that is used throughout her district. She was also part of a team of Oceanlake teachers that planned and implemented a highly successful grade-specific writing program. Her end-of-the-year "Galaxy" program, which uses costumes and props to simulate a space academy, not only teaches students about space, but helps them understand and make sense of real-world diversity issues. Mrs. Gaffney serves as a staff development organizer at Oceanlake and is the school's teacher-in-charge during the principal's absences.
1975 Western Washington University, B.A.
