The experience to lead.
As a public school teacher, an independent thinker, and collaborative problem-solver, Deborah will be a balancing force on State Board of Education. As a veteran, she has the leadership skills to get things done.
Everyone - students, parents, and educators - deserves to be treated with dignity and repect.
No ifs, ands, or buts.
Vision: Each child graduating from Utah schools is equipped with the tools to succeed in life and achieve their full potential.
Mission: Utah schools provide a safe, nurturing learning environment where students receive age-appropriate rigorous instruction focused on foundational skills & knowledge with rich opportunities to explore and develop their talents.
I believe:
All students can learn and achieve at high levels, given rigorous instruction and appropriate supports.
Parents are student’s first and most important teachers.
Educator quality is the most important factor in a classroom impacting student learning.
Public tax dollars are a public trust and must stay in public schools where there are accountability measures to ensure fiscal responsibility.
State Board policies must support student-centered learning environments by pursuing right-size funding, ensuring health & safety, promoting best practices, enabling local control, and encouraging collaboration & innovation.
Professional Experience
Salt Lake Community College, Associate Educator Professional Portfolio Assessment workshop facilitator, 2021-present
National Board Certified Teacher candidate coordinator, Granite School District, 2021-present
UCET Teacher Fellows panelist, 2021
New Teacher Mentor, Hunter High School, 2017-2022
Utah Council for Social Studies conference presenter, 2019
Utah Teacher Fellow, 2017-2019
Granite District workshop facilitator: Digital Assessment - Canvas and Kahoot, 2017
Social Studies department chair, Hunter High School, 2016-present
Social Studies teacher, Hunter High School, 2015-present
Social Studies teacher, Kennedy Junior High, 2014-2015
Social Studies teacher, Granite Young Parent Program, 2009-2014
GEAR UP teacher, Kearns Junior High, 2006-2008
Education
Instructional Coaching Endorsement, University of Utah, 2021
CGSC Advanced Operations Course, 2018
Driven2Teach Founding Fathers seminar, 2016
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Teacher Development workshop, 2016
Master of Arts in Education, University of Phoenix, 2016
US Army Command & General Staff College (CGSC), 2015
National Board Certified Teacher credential, 2015
Huntsman Seminar on Constitutional Government for Teachers, 2012
Military Intelligence Captains Career course, 2012
National Guard Human Resources course, 2007
Blackhawk Qualification course, 2006
FAA rotary wing rating, Army flight school, 2005
Social Science Composite Teaching B.S & teaching license, Brigham Young University, 2003
Emergency Medical Technician license, 2003
Military Assignments
Aviation Battalion Commander, 2023-present
Aviation Brigade Deputy Commander, 2021-2023
Military Intelligence Brigade Special Projects Officer, 2020-2021
Utah Joint Force Headquarters Intelligence Operations Officer, 2018-2020
Aviation Intelligence Officer, 2011-2018
Aviation Headquarter Company Commander, 2009-2011
Aviation Human Resources Officer, 2005-2009
Platoon Leader, 2003-2005
Aviation Operations Specialist, 1999-2003
Volunteer Service
UEN #UTEdchat facilitator, 2019-present
Utah Independent Executive Branch Ethics Commission, 2019-present
Relief Society President, 2021-2024
Salt Lake County Open Space Advisory Board, 2023-present
National School Gun Violence Prevention convening, January 2023
Utah School Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, 2024
National School Gun Violence Prevention and Response Guide review, 2024
Deborah Gatrell is a member of the Utah National Guard. Use of her military rank, job titles, and responsibilities does not imply endorsement by the Utah National Guard or the Department of Defense.
Teacher.
Veteran.
Independent thinker.
Collaborative problem-solver.
Leader.
