Deborah Riley Draper - Teachers Make a Difference - Jeanette Coleman Riley

Throughout her life, Deborah Riley Draper has learned from everyone she met, but her greatest teacher has been her mother, Janette Coleman Riley. A dedicated public school teacher for over 40 years, she instilled in her the values of curiosity, creativity, and inquiry. From decorating her classroom to inspiring students to bringing her along to the library while she pursued her graduate studies, she nurtured Deborah's love for learning and research. The skills she developed at her mother's side—exploring archives, analyzing primary sources, and asking thoughtful questions—continue to guide her in her work today. Her mother's influence has shaped not just her education but her entire approach to storytelling and investigation.