Deborah Armstrong has been a science educator for over 17 years, dedicated to inspiring students through Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Robotics, and other STEM disciplines. Her career began in Fort Worth, Texas, and has taken her through diverse teaching roles, culminating in her current position at Mineola High School, where she also serves as department head and technology support specialist. Known for her innovative teaching, Armstrong ensures that hands-on laboratory activities dominate the classroom experience, helping students connect theoretical concepts to real-world applications.

Armstrong’s excellence has been recognized through numerous awards, including the Tandy Texas Teacher of the Year, NSTA Vernier Teacher of the Year, STAT Science Teacher of the Year, CAST Innovative Teacher of the Year, VFW Teacher of the Year, and Fulbright Global Teacher. She has also secured grants to support hands-on programs, developed a mobile STEM trailer, and coordinated annual science shows that bring engaging demonstrations to younger audiences.

As a leader in professional development, Armstrong has presented at the National Science Teachers Association Conference, the Texas STEM Conference, and the Texas State Science Conference. Her workshops—such as “Junkyard Engineering,” “Dollar Store Science,” and “Quick and Easy Physics Projects”—provide educators with practical and creative tools to make science engaging and accessible. She also contributed to advancing STEM education through research as a Penn State Research Fellow, co-authoring presentations on robotics and human-robot collaboration.

Her written contributions extend to serving as a reviewer for National Geographic’s upcoming Physics Lab Manual and authoring Physical Science Labs & Projects You Can Do Today!, a resource for educators and students seeking hands-on science learning.

Armstrong holds a Bachelor of Science from Oklahoma State University and an MBA with a minor in Information Systems from the University of Colorado. Beyond teaching, she mentors new educators, openly shares her teaching materials, and continues to shape science education at the local, state, and national levels.

She lives in Mineola, Texas, with her husband Joseph, a technology coordinator. Together they are proud parents of three children—Thomas, Matthew, and Sarah—and grandparents to two young grandsons, Harrison and Clark.