ACTEAZ News


New Premier Series Coordinator


ACTEAZ is determined to continue our efforts in providing quality professional development opportunities for our members.  One of the ways we have been able to do so is the Premier Series. As most of you know, Maryanne Berens, our Premier Series Coordinator had to leave due to health reasons. Yet, it was through her leadership that we were able to grow ACTEAZ’s Premier Series into a program sought out by many teachers for training.

Since 2013 we have been able to offer 111 courses with 1,755 educators in attendance.  To continue this path of success we are proud to welcome Debra Zurcher into the fold, as our new ACTEAZ Premier Series Coordinator. 

As an experienced secondary and post-secondary educator, Debra has developed a passion and personal commitment geared toward helping others succeed by providing educational opportunities and meaningful learning experiences.

Prior to entering the field of education, Debra worked for Honeywell Satellite Systems while she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Management. Once making the decision to move into public education, she obtained her Postbac certificate in Secondary Education from ASU, and later a Master’s Degree in Teaching Practices.

Most of Debra’s educational career has been spent working with secondary and post-secondary teachers and students, serving in roles as classroom teacher, instructional coach, CTE program coordinator in the Peoria, Dysart and Tolleson school Districts. She served as an instructional facilitator in the Department of Education for Rio Salado College providing mentorship and guidance to pre-service and intern teaching candidates.  She has, and continues to teach as an adjunct faculty member for Maricopa Community Colleges in the disciplines of Business and Computer Information Technology.

ACTEAZ is excited to work with Debra in continuing to grow and develop our Premier Series offerings to meet the needs and demands of our membership and Arizona’s CTE community.  As you begin to plan out your professional development for your teachers, remember to contact Debra at [email protected] to see how we can meet your needs.