The Falconer: What was your biggest inspiration in becoming a teacher?
Ms. Deborah Vaughn: After being personally involved with the events of 9/11 in my former career, I wanted to do whatever I could to make the world a better place. That’s when I decided that teaching was the career that I could reach and make a difference in many young adults lives so they, in turn, could make a positive impact on the future for all of us.
TF: What was the most enriching class you got to teach throughout your career?
DV: I absolutely loved all of my classes, but if I had to choose one course that I truly loved, it would be AP Language and Composition. It was always like magic to watch students learn to specifically focus on empowering their “voices”, realizing the power of words, and using language in their writing and conversation to have those “voices” heard.
Ms. Deborah Vaughn: After being personally involved with the events of 9/11 in my former career, I wanted to do whatever I could to make the world a better place. That’s when I decided that teaching was the career that I could reach and make a difference in many young adults lives so they, in turn, could make a positive impact on the future for all of us.
TF: What was the most enriching class you got to teach throughout your career?
DV: I absolutely loved all of my classes, but if I had to choose one course that I truly loved, it would be AP Language and Composition. It was always like magic to watch students learn to specifically focus on empowering their “voices”, realizing the power of words, and using language in their writing and conversation to have those “voices” heard.
TF: You’ve had a number of careers in your lifetime, which one was your favorite and why?
DV: I have always thoroughly enjoyed every career that I have had because they all have involved planning. I have always loved to plan events, whether they be the necessary procedures to follow in order to safely get an aircraft off the ground to its destination, or planning a Special Olympics event of 1,000 attendees, or a special wedding for a bride and groom, organizing a community event, or preparing and orchestrating a great lesson plan or activity for students. Planning helps everyone be as successful as they possibly can no matter what the circumstances or situation.
TF: How would you describe your time in Mashpee, versus teaching in other school systems?
DV: I have only taught in Mashpee...is there any other? The only way to describe it is …."It’s great to be in Mashpee!!”
TF: What made you decide to retire after this year?
DV: It’s all about timing. You know when it’s time to move on and the time(at the end of this school year) was right for me to pursue other adventures in life!
TF: What will you miss most about teaching?
DV: The students, of course!
TF: How do you intend to spend your retirement?
DV: Volunteering, serving on various community organization boards, and traveling.
TF: Throughout your career you have become an influential figure in Mashpee High School. What has this meant to you and how did you gain this power?
DV: I have always stayed true to myself and lived by the values and principles that were instilled in me by my loving and wise parents. I am confident in who I am and always think well of myself, and am always sure to let the world know this, not by talking about it, but in the proof of great words and deeds. I am truly honored to have had the opportunity of being an educator in the Mashpee school system.
TF: Your room is famous in MHS history as being one of the most unique and well decorated. What will become of the various decorations, knick knacks, and items?
DV: Articles in B205 have been dispersed to teachers in the building to use in other classrooms for students to continue to enjoy!
TF: How will you spend your last day ever in MHS?
Serving ice cream sundaes to all students in B205!
TF: Will you continue to maintain a role in the school system even after you retire?
DV: I always leave doors open for possible opportunities that may come my way!
TF: If you could give one piece of advice to students at MMHS, what would it be?
DV: I have to give TWO pieces of advice:
1. In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock. -Thomas Jefferson
2. Know that the world is on your side as long as you are true to yourselves and to the best that is in each and every one of you.