Called to the Classroom

Debbie Phelps, M.Ed. ’98, has always loved learning. She remembers the names of all the teachers who shaped her childhood—the ones she loved, as well as the ones who challenged her and taught her lifelong lessons.

Upon graduating from Bruce High School in 1969, she felt called to the classroom to make a difference in the lives of children through the gift of education, as her teachers had done for her. She attended Allegany Community College for a year then transferred to Fairmont State College, graduating in 1973. At 25, she returned to school at the University of Maryland (UMD) to pursue her master's. While at UMD, however, she began raising a family and was no longer able to make the commute to College Park. She paused her education, unsure what the future would hold.

Years later, as the proud mother of three kids—all swimmers, all in school—she wanted to do something for herself. Moreso, she wanted to prove something to herself. That’s how she found her way to Loyola, where she would earn her M.Ed. in Education Management & Supervision.

“Loyola drew me in,” Phelps recalled. “I loved the campus, loved the energy. Just by driving by on Charles Street, the energy called me to go there. I was so happy to be accepted and join that diverse community.”

At Loyola, Phelps quickly connected with the education department faculty. One of her professors, Beatrice Sarlos, Ph.D., recognized her creativity and ability to create and communicate diverse material to students and inspired her to go into curriculum development. Joseph Procaccini, Ph.D., was another mentor and faculty member she admired throughout her studies and who encouraged her to focus on administrative leadership.

“The faculty made it personable. They were able to talk with you to get a sense of your ideas and your passions, while also giving you theirs,” Phelps said. “Doors were never closed. Opportunities were always provided.”

That openness and communication fostered an environment where all ideas and possibilities were considered. Throughout her graduate studies, Phelps never stopped working—a teacher by day, a student by night. It was challenging, but she always felt welcomed and supported.

“The culture of Loyola is one of very high expectations, but also very welcoming and very warm and inviting,” said Phelps.

Phelps’ Loyola experience served as the cornerstone for her career as a transformative leader in education. She evolved her experiences from teacher to team leader to department chair, before ultimately entering administration. She served as Windsor Mill Middle School’s inaugural principal from 2005-12, then went on to become the first female executive director of The Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS), energizing and expanding the foundation at an unprecedented rate.

Phelps has also lent her expertise to numerous advisory boards, including serving as a member of Loyola’s School of Education Board of Advisors since its inception in 2009. She is a board member of the Michael Phelps Foundation, created by her Olympian son and focused on growing the sport of swimming while encouraging healthy lifestyles.

A renowned author and motivational speaker, Phelps has earned countless accolades throughout her career. In November 2024, she was honored with Loyola’s inaugural School of Education Distinguished Alumni Award. She recently announced her retirement following an extraordinary 50-year career, including nearly 30 years with BCPS.

Reflecting on her journey, Phelps, who resides in Baltimore, fondly recalls her time at Loyola and how it shaped her path.

“As I stop, pause, and reflect on my time attending Loyola, I know it was the perfect place to end a busy day after being in the schoolhouse with students and educators,” Phelps shared. “Loyola was the ideal learning environment to grow professionally and personally in a collaborative, diverse community.”