Debra Peppers Bio
"Troubled Teen to Teacher of the Year" read a headline when Dr. Debra Peppers, upon retirement from teaching high school in St. Louis, was one of only five inducted into the National Teachers' Hall of Fame. This honor was presented to her in Washington DC by the Secretary of Education, where she also appeared on CNN, C-Span and Fox News. An author, university instructor and current host of a TV talk show, "Outreach Connection", Debra also hosted a weekly TV segment called "Shakin' the Salt with Dr. Peppers" and for ten years hosted a daily 3-hour radio program, "Talk From The Heart With Dr Debra Peppers". She interviewed celebrities from the President of the U.S. to rock stars. Debra has also written a monthly column for a St. Louis newspaper and has been featured in numerous books and publications, including five versions of Chicken Soup for the Soul, Best Classroom Practices, Embrace of a Father, A Cup of Comfort, Living Your Dreams, The Master's Hand and her own It's Your Turn Now!
As keynote presenter at the Crystal Cathedral's International Women's Conference, her speech won a national award with the National Federation of Press Women. A member of the National Speaker's Association with a BA in English/Speech, an MA in Education and a Ph.D. in Communication, Dr. Peppers has been speaking professionally for over 25 years and has amassed over 100 honors and awards. Dr. Peppers grew up in a traditional family but at sixteen, weighing 250 pounds, she dropped out of high school, experimented with alcohol and drugs, ran away from home and could have "fallen through the cracks". But with her parents' love, the encouragement of a teacher, and her eventual faith, her life turned around. Having lost over 100 pounds and earning a PhD., Debra motivates and inspires audiences all over the world by sharing tools and strategies from research, successful programs, and personal application. She leaves the audience laughing, crying and standing in ovation for Dr. Peppers is the "Real Deal!"
Key Selling Points: Dr. Peppers "does her homework!" She researches and personalizes every presentation, and implements details in both content and in humorous interaction with the audience. Having been in radio and television for 15 years, she is quick on her feet and keeps the audience focused, entertained and leaves them with practical tools. Expect a standing ovation and thank-you's to the sponsor! She is an excellent MC, keynote or workshop trainer in each area of expertise because of her vast experience, honors and awards and worldwide audience interaction.