Hi, I’m Debora Marines, a kindergarten teacher, literacy educator, curriculum leader, and the creator of Teach Magically.

For more than 30 years, I have taught students in grades K–4, with a special focus on kindergarten literacy, phonological awareness, phonics instruction, early reading development, writing, mathematics, and fine and gross motor skill development. My passion is helping teachers create engaging, research-based learning experiences that build confident, successful learners.

My Education and Professional Experience

I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education (K–8) from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and have completed more than 63 graduate credits beyond my master’s degree. Throughout my career, I have continued studying evidence-based instructional practices in literacy, mathematics, and early childhood education.

In addition to classroom teaching, I have served as:

• Workshop Presenter
• Curriculum Writer
• Kindergarten Grade-Level Leader
• Mathematics Curriculum Leader
• Envirothon Teacher
• Mentor and instructional leader for fellow educators
• Cooperating Teacher for multiple student teachers
• Reading Room Educator

These leadership roles have allowed me to support teachers while helping schools implement effective instructional practices.

Areas of Expertise

My professional interests include:

• Kindergarten and primary education
• Structured literacy and phonics instruction
• Phonemic awareness and phonological awareness
• Early reading intervention
• Writing instruction for young learners
• Foundational mathematics
• Fine and gross motor skill development
• Classroom management
• Goal setting and student motivation
• Educational games and hands-on learning

Why I Created Teach Magically

I created Teach Magically to share practical teaching strategies, classroom-tested activities, and research-based instructional practices that save teachers time while improving student learning.

Every idea shared on this site has been developed through years of classroom experience and refined with real students. My goal is to help teachers create engaging classrooms where children develop confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.

My Teaching Philosophy

I believe that meaningful learning happens when children feel safe, capable, and excited about learning. Standards and curriculum matter, but relationships, engagement, and student confidence are what make learning truly magical.