Debra Pacheco is the embodiment of academic excellence and dedication, currently serving as the Assistant Principal for Academics at Jesuit High School in Tampa, FL. With an illustrious career spanning over three decades, Debra has transformed the lives of countless students through her dual role as a Chemistry Teacher and Department Chair of the Science Department. A proud alumna of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, she holds a Bachelor"s degree in Chemistry, which she expertly blends with her Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of South Florida. Seeking to up her game even further, Debra recently earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Saint Leo University.

Known for blending rigorous academics with a dash of humor (she claims that mole calculations are more fun than they sound), Debra encourages students to find joy in learning. Her leadership style is characterized by warmth and an uncanny ability to inspire both staff and students alike—rumor has it that even the toughest chemistry problems fear her engaging smile!

In addition to shaping young minds within school walls, Debra believes in community involvement and often volunteers for local educational initiatives. Her accolades speak volumes about her commitment; however, she remains refreshingly humble about being recognized as one of Tampa"s top educators. When she"s not dissecting chemical reactions or brainstorming innovative curriculum strategies, you might find her perfecting her baking skills—because every great educator knows that cookies are essential during exam week!