Debra Hansen began her role as an associate teacher in the lower school at Columbus Academy at the start of the 2022-23 school year. She previously served in the lower school as a long-term substitute in PreK, kindergarten and first grade classrooms, as well as the interim assistant librarian on campus. Debra has several years of experience teaching, including two years as a second grade teacher in Iowa, nine years between time spent in Tokyo, The Netherlands and Denmark, as well as three years as an English and foreign language teacher in Germany and Italy. She holds a B.A. from Loras College. Debra and her husband Mark, our Head of Lower School, arrived at Academy in the summer of 2017 and have two children: Pieter, Paul '19, who attends Grinnell College, and Ellen '24.
Debra's favorite thing about Columbus Academy
"There is so much to love and appreciate about CA. The students, especially our younger students, are amazing and simply delightful to work with and to teach. I continue to be inspired and in awe of the dedication, professionalism and deep care and concern the teachers at CA have toward their students."
Favorite place to eat
"My favorite place to eat, hands down, is in nature. I love picnics -- breakfast, lunch or supper."
- B.A. Loras College
