Name: Angie Durbin
Title: Noblesville East Middle School Functional Academics Teacher
Background: Angie has been teaching for eight years and is in her second year teaching at NEMS. Before coming to Noblesville, she worked in Pike Township Schools and Danville, Ill. Schools. She grew up in Tinley Park, Ill. and graduated from Illinois State University.
Professional accomplishments/experiences:
In 2013, Angie was named Best Buddies Advisor of the Year for the State of Indiana. This was an honor because she was nominated for the award based on her leadership with the Best Buddies program in her school. Best Buddies is a passion of Angie’s and she started the only chapter in Noblesville schools this year at East Middle School. The group has more than 50 members.
Why she became a teacher:
Angie’s brother was diagnosed with a disability, and her parents were unaware of all the resources available to help advocate for him. Angie decided she wanted to help educate all parents about their rights and teach children with special needs. In her role as a special education teacher, she wants to work with parents as a team to meet the needs of their child. She believes having a good partnership with parents is the key to success.
Goals she has for students:
To become independent, responsible, productive citizens who are involved in the community. She also wants them to have friends and be happy with their life.
Advice she would give to parents:
Time goes by so fast–enjoy every minute of it! You will never have this time again. Smile about the little things because you won’t have your children for very long!
Why she believes Noblesville Schools is special:
“The community!” Angie said she has never worked in a district that pours out to community and has so much support in return. “It’s such a reciprocal relationship here,” she said. “Parents help the schools. The community offers jobs to students. Everyone works together! As a school, we create productive employees to give back to community.”
Something others might not know about her:
She loves to sing. In high school she was in show choir and theater. After college, she tried out for American Idol (2008). “Unfortunately I did not make it past the first round,” she said. “One of the reasons I tried out was to be able to meet Simon Cowell and Ryan Seacrest. You don’t get to meet them unless you make it farther into the auditions. That was a huge disappointment!”
