Sturgis Brown High School math teacher, Debbie Cano, has been nominated for the 2025-26 Meade School District Teacher of the Year, recognizing more than two decades of dedication, leadership, and impact on students, colleagues, and the community.
Cano, who teaches grades 9 through 12, has spent 23 years at Sturgis Brown High School building a reputation as a compassionate and innovative educator. Known for her willingness to go above and beyond, she consistently supports both students and fellow staff members. Whether working one-on-one with students or helping colleagues with lesson planning and technology, Cano is seen as a reliable and knowledgeable leader. “Teaching is more than a job for Deb—it’s a commitment to her students and her school community,” one nominator shared.
Her contributions to the school and district are extensive. Cano has served on the PASS team, supported staff development, and held leadership roles as both the SBHS math department chair and the district math department chair. She has helped guide curriculum, instruction, and collaboration across the district and played a key role in implementing the Small Learning Communities model for freshmen. She has also mentored new teachers through both formal programs and informal support within the school.
Beyond the classroom, Cano has been deeply involved in extracurricular activities and community service. She coached volleyball for many years and served as coordinator for Black Hills Junior Volleyball, expanding opportunities for young athletes. She continues to support SBHS athletics by volunteering with the boys’ basketball program, organizing fundraisers, and managing social media. In the broader community, she volunteers with the Black Hills Shootists Association, helping raise funds for student scholarships.
In her classroom, Cano creates a supportive environment where students feel valued, respected, and capable of success. She balances strong relationships with high expectations, encouraging students to take risks and view mistakes as part of the learning process. She takes time to understand each student’s needs, celebrates their progress, and makes herself available outside of class through Scooper Time, her planning period, and after school. At the same time, she holds students accountable, helping them develop responsibility and confidence.
Cano is also known for building strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues. Her approachable, no-nonsense style fosters trust while maintaining high expectations. She communicates clearly with parents to support student success and is widely respected by colleagues for her consistency, fairness, and collaborative approach. “Go ask Deb” is a common phrase among staff.
Her dedication to education goes far beyond daily instruction. Cano is deeply committed to every student’s success, celebrating growth and encouraging confidence both academically and personally. She extends that same support to colleagues, helping create a strong and connected school community.
As the Meade School District considers its Teacher of the Year, Debbie Cano stands out as an educator who not only teaches mathematics, but also inspires, leads, and leaves a lasting impact on everyone she serves.