Meet our Teachers

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1. What is your name?
Debbie Turner.

2. What subjects do you teach?
A little bit of everything.

3.How long have you taught at SCIE?
I’ve been at SCIE since 1992. I was a teacher for three years, then the Director for 12 years, and now I'm very happy to be teaching again.

4.What is your education and teaching background?
I got my master's degree at Portland State University in Oregon and have had several different teaching jobs. I taught international students in Pocatello, Idaho, and Seattle, middle-school students in Portland, Oregon, helicopter pilots in Isfahan, Iran, and oil company employees in Kuwait.

5.Have you ever lived outside of the United States?
I've been lucky enough to travel all over the world and taught English for seven years in the Middle East. My first teaching job was in Iran, and in 1985, I moved to Kuwait. I still called Kuwait home in August of 1990 when Iraq invaded. I then moved to Seattle.

6.What are some of your hobbies?
I love living in Seattle because it has great opportunities for outdoor activities and city entertainment as well. I do as much hiking and biking and gardening as I can. I also enjoy the sea and plan to become a good kayaker and get my scuba license in Mexico this summer. On rainy days, I read, play bridge, go to movies or try to teach myself to play the piano. When I can, I go out to hear some music or watch a play. There are more things to do than I can fit into my days!

7.Why do you like teaching at SCIE?
SCIE students are always interesting and my colleagues are tremendous. It’s a very friendly place and the best teaching situation I’ve ever had.

8.What do you think are the benefits to attending our program?
You won't find teachers anywhere better than the ones at SCIE! International Programs at SCCC offers a lot of support (tutoring and counseling) and a lot of opportunities (work and scholarships) that you won't get elsewhere. SCIE also has the fastest path to college classes that you can find.

9.What is an interesting fact about you?
I’ve visited more than 60 countries and liked them all.

10. Is there anything else you would like to add?
My son went to SCCC for one year, then transferred to Western Washington University
and graduated last June. Like his parents, he loves to travel. He wants to travel around the world without getting on a plane. We'll see!