Debbie Peabody serves as Program Manager for SkillsUSA Georgia, where she is the Leadership Competition Coordinator for the SkillsUSA Georgia State Leadership & Skills Conference (SLSC) and supports state staff at other conferences and activities throughout the year. She has dedicated her career to helping students and educators discover the opportunities that career and technical education and SkillsUSA can provide. Debbie’s impact and passion span more than five decades in education. Throughout her career, she has served as a teacher, SkillsUSA advisor, national and state teacher trainer, conference facilitator, and mentor to countless students and educators across Georgia and beyond.
​
As an Architectural and Engineering Drafting instructor at Stockbridge High School and Union Grove High School, Debbie inspired students to explore careers in design, engineering, architecture, and technology. She founded and supported SkillsUSA chapters in both schools, connected students with business and industry professionals, organized job-shadowing opportunities, and created meaningful experiences that helped students see how the skills they developed in the classroom could translate into successful careers.
​
Debbie's passion for SkillsUSA has continued long after her classroom teaching career. She has served SkillsUSA Georgia in numerous leadership roles and has coordinated state leadership competitions for many years. Since 2013, she has also served SkillsUSA as a teacher trainer, conference facilitator, and hotline operator, sharing her knowledge and experience with advisors and students nationwide.
​
Throughout her career, Debbie has been recognized for her dedication to education, career and technical education, and SkillsUSA. Her honors include the SkillsUSA Lifetime Achievement Award, Georgia SkillsUSA Champion of Service Award, Georgia SkillsUSA Teacher of the Year, and SkillsUSA Region 2 Teacher of the Year. She was also honored as the TIEGA Teacher of the Year, GACTE Teacher of the Year, ACTE Region 2 Teacher of the Year, and Construction Education Foundation of Georgia Architectural Drawing Teacher of the Year. Other recognitions include Henry County Teacher of the Year, Georgia Teacher of the Year Semifinalist, and Henry County STAR Teacher. These honors reflect Debbie's lifelong commitment to students, educators, and advancing career and technical education.
​
One of Debbie's greatest sources of pride is the success of her students. Beyond their success in competitions, her students participated in community service projects, leadership workshops, social activities, and numerous opportunities to connect with professionals and their communities. Her students earned 22 national gold SkillsUSA medals, along with numerous silver and bronze medallions, and hundreds of state and regional awards. Debbie believes that the most rewarding part of education is watching students gain confidence, discover their talents, and realize that they can accomplish more than they ever imagined.
​
Her continued service to SkillsUSA reflects her belief that the organization is about more than competition; it is about developing confident, skilled, and prepared young people who are ready to succeed in their careers and in life.
​
Education
B.A. Studio Art: Industrial Design, Michigan State University
M.Ed. in Trade and Industrial Education, Georgia State University
Favorite Part of the Job
Believe it or not, one of Debbie’s favorite parts of her job is making sure the Leadership Competitions at SLSC run smoothly and efficiently. From organizing judges and preparing competition rooms to ensuring scores are recorded accurately and results are correct, Debbie takes pride in the details that make a successful competition possible. She enjoys working behind the scenes with the many people who contribute to the competitions and knowing her efforts help create a positive, rewarding experience for every student who participates.
Favorite SkillsUSA Event
The most rewarding part of Debbie’s position with SkillsUSA Georgia is experiencing the excitement of the Awards Ceremony at SLSC. Nothing compares to seeing the pride and excitement on students’ faces as they take the stage to receive recognition for their hard work and accomplishments. For Debbie, those moments remind her why she has dedicated so much of her career to SkillsUSA and to helping students discover what they can achieve.
​