A proud graduate of Providence College, Deborah Sullivan has been a valued educator since her first day on the job. An expert in her field, Sullivan has been working as a special education teacher in Scituate for 31 years.
Recalling Sullivan’s first year with Scituate Public Schools, retired special education director Nancy Verseckes said, “From Day #1, we worked as a team.” Praising Sullivan’s interpersonal skills, sense of humor, and “calm demeanor,” Verseckes commented, “She was masterful at drawing in all the stakeholders who taught her students.”
Reflecting on her professional career, Sullivan noted that education is constantly changing, and it takes “a tremendous amount of hard work and dedication” for teachers to meet the demands of the profession. As a teacher and team chairperson, Sullivan has worked with grades 6-12 in many teaching and leadership roles.
Fellow special education teacher Roxanne Griffin, who has worked with Sullivan for fifteen years, commended her supportive nature with SPS staff, parents, and students. Recalling the impact of Sullivan’s guidance and mentorship when she was first hired at Scituate High School, Griffin said, “She took me under her wing.” According to Griffin, many staff members approached Sullivan with questions, and if she didn’t have an answer, “she was going to find one.” Griffin commented that Sullivan facilitated thousands of special education meetings throughout her career and helped bring awareness to “what special education is and what it isn’t.” In addition, she empowered students to self-advocate and share their unique learning challenges. Verseckes added, “Her students respect her. She advocates for them with parents and staff, and at the same time sets expectations for them to meet.”
Special education teacher Janna Downing did not hesitate to praise Sullivan for her achievements. As someone who spent 21 years learning from Sullivan’s leadership, Downing stated, “She has so much experience and knowledge about special education.” Downing said she observed the genuine connections that Sullivan cultivated with her students and their parents. Although special education meetings can be challenging, Downing remarked, “Many families are happy to have the opportunity to work with her.”
Downing described Sullivan as a “role model” in the workplace for teaching and parenting practices: “I watched her go through the process of being a working professional but also being a mom and raising a family.” Downing said whether it was balancing the ups and downs of her job or her family life, “it was important to have a mentor that I could look up to.”
Sullivan has three grown children, Jack, Devin, and Annie, who attended Scituate Public Schools. Describing his mother as “caring, thoughtful, and dedicated,” Jack credited her with shaping him into the man he is today. Devin and Annie added that their mother “pours her whole heart” into everything she does. Whether supporting her students with their education or caring for family members, Sullivan is known for being compassionate and instilling a sense of responsibility.
After retiring, Sullivan looks forward to spending extra time with her family and friends and skiing at Attitash Mountain in New Hampshire. Although excited to start a new chapter, she will miss her role and professional relationships at Gates Middle School and Scituate High School.