I’m Annette Durbin—an educator, literacy consultant, creator, and wellness coach with more than three decades of experience supporting learners and the families who guide them.
At the heart of my work is literacy. Literacy is more than reading and writing; it includes listening, speaking, thinking, creating, and making meaning of the world. It is foundational to learning, confidence, and lifelong growth—and it flourishes best when children are taught as whole people, not as isolated skill sets.
While literacy is a cornerstone of my work, my educational philosophy is rooted in whole-child learning. I believe children learn best when instruction is integrated, experiential, and connected to their world. For that reason, I take a holistic STEAM approach, intentionally weaving science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics together with literacy to create meaningful, engaging learning experiences.
Throughout my career, I have designed and supported learning that includes:
- Project-based and inquiry-driven experiences
- Experiential and hands-on learning
- Place-based learning that honors community, environment, and culture
- Music, movement, and creative expression as essential parts of instruction
- Integrated lessons that connect reading, writing, math, science, and the arts
This approach is especially powerful in homeschool settings, where learning does not need to be confined to a single subject block or worksheet. It allows children to explore deeply, make connections, and build understanding in ways that are both rigorous and joyful.
I began my teaching career in 1991 and spent 35 years in PK–8 classrooms, teaching in single-grade, multi-age, and blended learning environments. I have worked with students from varied cultural backgrounds, English Language Learners, students with learning challenges, and proficient learners ready for enrichment. Along the way, I witnessed major shifts in educational practice—from whole language to direct instruction and from traditional classrooms to digital learning. Rather than adopting any single philosophy, my instructional approach has been shaped by research, reflection, and real outcomes with real children.
Since 2005, I have worked as a PK–8 literacy consultant, supporting children, parents, and educators as they navigate the complexities of learning. Today, much of my work focuses on partnering with homeschool families—helping parents understand how literacy develops, how to recognize what their child truly needs, and how to design learning experiences that are developmentally appropriate, engaging, and sustainable.
A deep understanding of educational vertical alignment and childhood development guides my work—knowing how skills build over time and how to support learners who struggle while still challenging those who are ready for next steps. This perspective is especially valuable for homeschool families navigating multiple ages, learning styles, and developmental stages.
Today, my work extends beyond traditional education settings to include homeschool consulting through the ROOTS Homeschool Collective, educational resources through Blue Ribbon Teacher, creative work through IditaCard, and faith-informed wellness coaching through ROOTED Wellness. Across all of these spaces, my approach remains thoughtful, grounded, and centered on the whole person.
Spending time doing things I love helps to keep me grounded and focused on the blessings I have been given. When I’m not working in the academic field, I enjoy gardening, crafting, playing the piano, sewing, cooking, traveling, and spending time with my expanding family.
Over the years, I’ve learned that keeping the “bucket” full is key to living a balanced and full life. In education, I accomplished this when my four children were younger. I stepped away from private school education to homeschool my own children. These experiences, coupled with my private and public education years, helped shape the teacher I am today, seeing education from a parent’s perspective. This mindset has a huge impact on the work that is accomplished in the classroom, whether at home, private, or public school education.
Dr. Annette’s Credentials
Degrees
Doctor of Education: Administrator Leadership – Teaching and Learning; Walden University – 2013
Master of Science: Educational Leadership; Walden University – 2009
Bachelor of Science: Early Childhood and Elementary Education, K – 8; Wilmington College – 1993
Associate Early Childhood Education; The Ohio State University – 1989
Publications
Durbin, A. (2013). K-8 teachers using mobile technology as a student-centered instructional tool. Ann Arbor, MI: ProQuest LLC.
Certifications
National Board Certification, middle childhood/generalist – 2005, Nationwide certification
TESOL (Teaching English to Students of Other Languages) – 2025
Administrative Certificate, Principal, K – 12, State of Alaska
Master Teacher Certification, ages 7 – 12: full curriculum, State of Alaska
Professional Teacher Certification, K-8 Early Childhood & Elementary Education, State of Alaska
K- 8 Early Childhood & Elementary Education, State of Delaware
OPTAVIA Health and Wellness – 2025
