Introducing….Deborah

Deborah P. Bayard is a veteran educator and professor.  She previously taught students with Emotional Impairments in both Categorical and Center-Based programs.  She has also worked as a Teacher Consultant for Special Education classrooms and programs. Through her K-12 work, Deborah has provided support and training for educators, parents, and administrators in the areas of Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), Restorative Practices, and Social Emotional Learning. Additionally, she teaches undergraduate students at Grand Valley State University who are entering the field of Education.

Deborah completed both her undergraduate and graduate degrees at Michigan institutions of higher learning, Eastern Michigan University, and Grand Valley State University, respectively.

Since beginning her tenure as an educator, Deborah has been known as an educator who uses creativity to teach and showcase students’ gifts and abilities. Among her many exploits, Deborah has used theater, music, art, and dance to impress upon her students the importance of recognizing their history and heritage. “Academics are first and foremost,” she has said. However, “you must find that “spark” that connects with each student. Why would a child invest their time in learning if I don’t invest my time in teaching?” “Teaching is not what I do, it’s who I am”! Deborah has written and produced several plays and dramatic readings for her students to perform. Additionally, Deborah invited local artists into her classroom to inspire her students to create their own “works of art.” Locally and nationally renowned artists such as Faith Ringgold, Cam Hearth, Carol Johnson, Phil Wilson, and Paul Collins are among the many artists who have engaged in classroom workshops & events with her students.

Deborah hosts and facilitates workshops and training on the importance of understanding culture both within and outside of the classroom, as well as effective teaching strategies with students in general education as well as special education.  As an educational consultant, she has been requested by both parents and educators to attend meetings as an advocate and a facilitator to ensure all parties are heard and that educational and federal law is adhered to with fidelity.  Her desire is to see that every child receives the “best possible educational experience.” Her work in the areas of PBIS and social-emotional learning and as a licensed restorative practices trainer continues to support her mission of building relationships and ensuring that each member of the community is empowered with a voice.

Additionally, Deborah, along with her husband, George, have worked tirelessly to educate our community on African American history and culture.  They opened the Bayard Gallery of Fine African American Art to support local artists of color and to educate and inspire those in the Grand Rapids and West Michigan communities. Deborah and George have led and participated in workshops at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, Grand Rapids Public Museum, Grand Rapids Public Library, and the Wealthy Street Theater, just to name a few. She and her husband have hosted city-wide Kwanzaa celebrations and several other community events. Bayard Gallery was a mainstay in the West Michigan community for over 25 years until its closing in 2015. In 2016, Deborah & George opened the Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives, which is currently housed at 87 Monroe Center in downtown Grand Rapids. In October 2018, GRAAMA won the ArtPrize 10 OUTSTANDING Venue Award. Among their many community activities, Deborah and George are also co-chairs of the Celebration of Soul committee for the Grand Rapids Symphony event, Symphony with Soul. In 2018, Deborah launched DPB Consulting, offering a host of services, including training facilitation, speaking, and consulting on a variety of topics.

Deborah is a Project Blueprint graduate, a past board member of Senior Neighbors and Very Special Arts, and has been a volunteer at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Kent County (formerly known as the Children’s Assessment Center) , which serves children affected by sexual trauma.  Deborah has worked with GEMS, an international organization with a local focus that mentors girls from 1st through 8th grade.   She has also worked with the Ebony Road Players, a Grand Rapids theater group whose mission is to educate and inspire. Deborah serves (or has served) in her local church in the following areas: prison volunteer coordinator, music, women’s dept., counseling, mentor, and as a member of the Board of Deacons.

Deborah has almost two decades of experience speaking and teaching at local and state prisons to men and women incarcerated there. Her message is a message of hope and healing.  Deborah’s “keep it real” approach with audiences of both men and women is honest, transparent, and inspiring.  Additionally, she has been a speaker at conferences and other venues locally and around the country. Deborah retired in 2021 after over three decades in K-12 education.  She is looking forward to the next chapter, which is sure to include GRAAMA, DPB Consulting, & a bit of traveling! She is the very proud mother of Kamarah and Bonus-mom to Kamarah’s sister and brother, Ciena and Joshua.