Debbie Sharpe

On top of her responsibilities as Director, Sharpe teaches early childhood special education and is also teaching Pre-K general education this year. Sharpe is currently in her 35th year as an early childhood special education teacher.

Sharpe graduated from Panhandle State with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 1987. After graduation, she earned a Master’s in Early Childhood/Early Childhood Special Education from the University of Colorado in 1992.

Sharpe chose Panhandle State for the heritage and family environment. These impressions ended up being her favorite things as a student. She commented, “My mentor at Panhandle State was Bob Wise. He was the Adult Education Director, and his office was responsible for all the campus Public Relations, photography, and the yearbook.”

Sharpe knew she wanted to become a preschool teacher when she was 14-years old. When her high school home economics teacher, Sharon Christi, guided the class through developing a one-week long preschool. “We actually got to teach preschool! It changed my life!”

“I love when kids I have taught become good parents! Watching children find confidence in their skills and learn to love. Learning is the motivation of my heart.,” said Sharpe.

During her time at Panhandle State, Sharpe was primarily active as the Plainsman Yearbook Editor for two years working under Bob Wise. She saw him as a mentor, along with many other education instructors like Patricia Tinch, Dr. David Driscoll, Rachel Satterfield, and Dr. David Satterfield.

In her free time, Sharpe loves to quilt, read, and work as the free ranch hand for Mr. Sharpe. Her husband is the brand inspector for Baca County, and they have been married for over 37 years. A fun fact about Sharpe is she loves to be around family and discover new hobbies.