Staff Shoutout: Justine Shupp and Kim Debord, Burrowes ES

Behind every student’s success story, there is an educator, or often, a team of educators who believes in them, advocates for them, and walks alongside them in their journey. This week’s staff shoutout goes to Justine Shupp, a K-3 Autistic Support Teacher, and Kim Debord, a Learning Support Teacher, both at Burrowes ES who embody this belief every day. Their dedication, adaptability, and compassion make a world of difference in the lives of their students, their colleagues, and the entire school community.

Working in special education requires an extraordinary level of patience and resilience. It is about celebrating the small victories that add up to significant progress. It is about recognizing the potential in every child, even when challenges seem insurmountable. Both Shupp and Debord have devoted their careers to ensuring that students, regardless of their individual needs, receive the attention, support, and encouragement they deserve. This week’s staff shoutout goes to them.

Justine Shupp: Creating a Foundation for Growth in Autistic Support

For Justine Shupp, this year has been one of growth and new challenges. Though she has been with the School District of Lancaster for seven years, this is her first year teaching Autistic Support, a transition that has pushed her to explore new strategies while staying true to her student-centered approach.

Her experience across multiple special education roles, including Emotional Support and Learning Support, has given her a broad perspective on what students need to succeed. She understands that progress doesn’t look the same for every child and that success isn’t measured solely by grades or test scores, it is found in the moments when a student learns to express their emotions, builds relationships with classmates, or gains confidence in their own abilities.

Her greatest joy comes from seeing progress in her students—not just academically, but socially and behaviorally. Success in her classroom is measured in moments that may seem small to others but are life-changing for her students and their families. It could be a student making eye contact for the first time, successfully following a routine, or expressing a feeling in words instead of frustration. These moments of growth build confidence and lay the foundation for lifelong learning.

One of the most meaningful moments of her year came during parent-teacher conferences, when families shared how much their children were improving. Parents spoke about their children communicating more, demonstrating independence, and engaging in ways they hadn’t before. This feedback was a powerful reminder that the efforts she and her team put in each day extend far beyond the classroom.

Her colleagues describe her as kind, patient, and intentional, always tailoring her approach to meet each student’s unique needs. One colleague noted, “Mrs. Shupp takes the time to understand each student as an individual, which has led to incredible progress. Families see it, and they are grateful for her work.”

Shupp’s classroom is a place where students feel supported, encouraged, and understood. She creates a structured yet flexible environment where students can take steps forward at their own pace, building confidence along the way.

Kim Debord: A Relentless Advocate for Student Success

For Kim Debord, teaching is a passion. With 14 years in special education, five of them at SDoL, she has helped countless students develop the skills they need to succeed. Through every challenge, her students remain at the center of her work.

One of the most rewarding experiences for any special education teacher is seeing students progress to the point where they no longer need special education services. This year, Debord had the incredible experience of witnessing several of her students transition out of specialized support—an achievement that reflects both their hard work and the strength of the collaborative efforts between special education teachers, general education teachers, and administrators at Burrowes Elementary.

This level of student growth and independence is rare in many districts, but at SDoL, it is becoming a reality because of the team-oriented approach Debord champions. She attributes much of this success to the school’s culture of collaboration, where educators work together to ensure that students receive the support they need, in and out of the classroom. She has worked in other districts before SDoL but says she has never felt more supported as an educator.

Beyond academics, Debord is deeply invested in the culture and community of Burrowes Elementary. She serves as the advisor for the fifth-grade safety patrol team, helping students develop leadership skills and a sense of responsibility. She has also taken an active role in the school’s PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) program, finding creative ways to engage both students and staff in fostering a positive school environment.

One of her most memorable initiatives this year was “Undercover Spirit Week,” a schoolwide event where teachers dressed according to different themes each day—but without telling students what the themes were. Students had to observe patterns, make predictions, and use reasoning skills to figure it out, turning what could have been a simple spirit activity into a fun learning experience. This initiative was a perfect example of how Debord infuses creativity and joy into learning, making every day exciting for students.

But her impact doesn’t stop there. Debord plays a crucial role in school operations, managing bus drop-off and pick-up—a task that has been particularly challenging this year due to ongoing construction. Despite the logistical hurdles, she ensures that students transition safely and smoothly, maintaining order while greeting each child with warmth and familiarity.

Her colleagues describe her as a pillar of support within the school, someone who shows up every single day ready to help, problem-solve, and create a welcoming environment. One colleague shared, “Kim ensures that every student, regardless of grade or classroom, feels included and valued. She makes it a point to check in on students, whether they’re facing challenges or celebrating achievements.”

The Heart of Special Education at Burrowes Elementary

In an ever-evolving educational landscape, where students’   are as diverse as the communities they come from, educators like Justine Shupp and Kim Debord serve as guiding lights. They don’t just teach, they advocate, support, and empower. They create classrooms where students with unique challenges can thrive, find confidence, and build the skills they need to succeed beyond school.

The students they teach today will carry these lessons with them for years to come. Whether it’s a student learning to communicate in new ways, gaining the confidence to take on leadership roles, or developing skills that allow them to transition out of special education, Shupp and Debord have been key figures in those journeys

Both Shupp and Debord represent the very best of what it means to be an educator in SDoL—collaborative and compassionate in their belief that every child deserves the chance to succeed. Their stories remind us that behind every achievement, behind every student who finds their voice or discovers their potential, there is a teacher who refused to give up on them.

Burrowes Elementary—and the entire School District of Lancaster is stronger because of them. Their impact will not only be felt by the students they teach today but by the generations they inspire for years to come.

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