Debbie J. Bond is a highly regarded science teacher at PACE Academy, where she has been inspiring students and promoting a love for science since 2020. With a career spanning 27 years, Ms. Bond is recognized for her exceptional contributions to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, interdisciplinary teaching, and text data analysis. Her commitment to fostering student success extends beyond the classroom, as she leads the academy’s science club and integrates specialized teaching methods like Orton-Gillingham for students with dyslexia. Before joining PACE Academy, Ms. Bond served as an adjunct professor of math and science at Villa Maria College in Buffalo, New York, and as a teaching fellow in statistical analysis and multimedia message design at Syracuse University.
Ms. Bond’s educational background forms the foundation of her distinguished career. Her achievements include a remarkable accomplishment during her undergraduate studies at Wells College. At the age of 19, she disproved that an “n by n” matrix with only zeros and ones as entries constitutes a Fibonacci sequence. This significant mathematical finding gained her early acclaim. She also received the Zabriskie Science Award from Wells College, highlighting her academic excellence and passion for scientific inquiry. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics and physical sciences, with a minor in computer science, from Wells College. She pursued a Master of Arts in interdisciplinary education with a concentration in cross-cultural language and diversity at Santa Clara University. Currently, Ms. Bond is completing a PhD in instructional design, development, and evaluation at Syracuse University, where she has achieved ABD (all but dissertation) status. She attributes much of her success to the inspiring educators who supported her as a student, particularly during her struggles with dyslexia, and she remains connected to many of them today.
Throughout her career, Ms. Bond has been an advocate for students with disabilities. At PACE Academy, she ensures all students receive the accommodations they need under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Her meticulous efforts include creating appropriate learning environments, tailoring instructional methods, and fostering inclusivity. Her advocacy is deeply personal, as she draws on her own experiences growing up with dyslexia and childhood obsessive-compulsive disorder to empathize with her students and guide them toward success.
Ms. Bond’s certifications further enhance her teaching expertise. She holds a cordon bleu certificate, teaching English as a foreign language certification, and is a certified AMS teacher through the American Meteorological Society. Her commitment to advancing science education has led to her recognition as one of only 30 recent inductees into an exclusive AMS course, making her one of just 89 educators to achieve this distinction globally.
Beyond her classroom contributions, Ms. Bond is an active member of professional organizations, including the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Evaluation Association. She also volunteers with groups such as People Animals Love in Washington, D.C., the Society for Science, the South Carolina State Museum, and the Columbia Museum of Art. Her dedication has earned her accolades, including recognition as a finalist for the STEM Educator of the Year Award in South Carolina’s Midlands region in 2024.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Ms. Bond enjoys playing the piano and violin, traveling, skating, watching Jeopardy!, taking long walks with her service dog, and engaging in hockey. She is also keen on technology and works on computers in her spare time. A former Most Valuable Player at CAN/AM Hockey’s Adult Camp in Guelph, Canada, Ms. Bond brings the same passion and determination to her personal pursuits as she does to her teaching.
Ms. Bond plans to complete her doctoral studies and is considering pursuing another PhD in meteorology. She also plans to continue advocating for comprehensive Americans with Disabilities coverage for students with disabilities and ensuring PACE Academy meets academic and state requirements to sustain its mission. Her dedication to creating equitable educational opportunities and her unwavering passion for teaching underscore her impact as a leader in science education.
Ms. Bond’s remarkable journey, shaped by perseverance, advocacy, and academic excellence, continues to inspire her colleagues, students, and the broader educational community. Her work exemplifies the profound difference a dedicated educator can make in shaping a brighter future for all learners.