Meet New 1st Grade Teacher Mrs. Debler!

posted September 25, 2026

We are so glad to have Katy Debler joining our team this year to teach first grade! This will be her first year of teaching, but she has served as a Paraeducator and Media Secretary in her previous ten years. We asked Mrs. Debler some questions so that you can get to know her a bit before the school year begins.

Why did you want to teach at Cardinal?
I wanted to teach at Cardinal because I was really drawn to the school community and the strong sense of belonging it creates for students, families, and staff. I was looking for a school where I could build meaningful relationships with my students, work collaboratively with my colleagues, and continue growing as an educator.

What do you like about teaching first grade?
What I love most about first grade is the incredible amount of growth that happens throughout the year. Students come in at so many different levels, and it is amazing to watch their confidence grow as they learn to read, write, solve problems, and become more independent.

I also love the energy and curiosity that first graders bring to the classroom. They are excited to learn, eager to share their ideas, and still have such a genuine excitement about school. I feel very fortunate to teach this age because I get to help build the academic and social foundation that students will carry with them throughout their education.

What is your favorite part of teaching?
My favorite part of being a teacher is building relationships with my students and watching them grow. I love getting to know each child as an individual, discovering what makes them excited to learn, and helping them recognize their own strengths.

There is nothing better than seeing that “aha” moment when something finally clicks or watching a student become proud of something they once struggled with. I also love knowing that I have the opportunity to make a positive difference in a child’s day and, hopefully, help them develop a love of learning that stays with them for years to come.

What is your ultimate goal as a teacher?
My ultimate goal as a teacher is to help every student believe in themselves and know that they are capable of learning and growing. I want my classroom to be a place where students feel safe, valued, supported, and excited to come to school each day.

I want to give my students a strong foundation, especially in reading and other essential skills. But beyond academics, I want to teach them how to be kind, confident, respectful, and resilient. If my students leave my classroom knowing that they are capable, that mistakes are part of learning, and that they have someone who believes in them, then I know I have done my job.

What do you hope students take away from your class this year?
I hope my students leave my classroom knowing that they are capable of more than they may realize. I want them to grow academically, but I also want them to grow in confidence, independence, kindness, and perseverance.

Most importantly, I hope they develop a love of learning and understand that it is okay to make mistakes because mistakes help us grow. I want every student to feel proud of how far they have come and know that they are an important and valued part of our classroom.

Fun Facts/Hobbies:
A few fun facts about me! I have been married to my husband for 23 years, and we have two children. Our oldest is a junior in college at DMACC studying Mortuary Science, and our youngest is a senior in high school.

We also have three Goldendoodles, and all three have baseball-inspired names! We have six show rabbits that our children enjoy raising and showing. I love to read, spend time with my family, and I’m a big fan of Diet Pepsi and iced tea!

Our family stays pretty busy, but we love making memories together, spending time with our animals, and enjoying the little things in life. I’m excited to bring that same energy and enthusiasm into my classroom this year!