Debra Jo Borden

Debra Jo Borden (she/her/they) is a faculty associate at Arizona State University. She has a Master of Arts in Social Justice & Human Rights, and is currently conducting research as a candidate with the National Board of Certified Teachers. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and certifications/endorsements in Structured English Immersion, K-8 General Education, and K-12 Music Education. Her preferred research themes connect to children’s rights, gender equality, and reforming social systems to support human development needs.

As a passionate educator and social justice advocate she has volunteered with many educational and non-profit organizations. Her most recent work includes being accepted into the Leading For Change Fellowship (2022-2023), and serving as a member of the Maricopa Superintendent Teacher Advisory Team (2021-2022 “STAT Team”). She served as a Site Leader for the Gilbert Education Association (2021-2022), was an elected delegate for the Arizona Education Association Delegate Assemblies (2021 & 2022), and an elected representative for the National Education Association Representative Assembly (2021). 

As a biological, adoptive, and foster parent, Debra Jo provided testimony for essential reforms needed in the Arizona Department of Child Safety foster system (2021).  In 2019-2020 she created and implemented a pilot program of music curriculum and lessons for the non-profit ASA Now, helping to bring ‘Sophie’s Place’ to Jacob’s Mission Community Center, serving families impacted by foster care.