Deborah Cloyed holds a B.A. in English from The College of William & Mary and a Single Subject in English Credential from Cal State LA. As a photographer, travel writer, and published novelist, Deborah traveled, lived and worked in many countries—including Honduras, Thailand, Kenya, the UK, and Spain—before settling in Los Angeles to create a  K-12 photography program & non-profit. 

Teaching has always been one of her greatest passions—whether leading writing workshops as an author, teaching for non-profits in Honduras and Kenya, twenty years leading photography courses for youth and adults, or teaching 6th Grade English at top-rated South Pasadena Middle School.

Her teaching philosophy utilizes contemporary theory and pedagogical frameworks — Project-Based Learning, Culturally Responsive Teaching — to engage readers and writers of all learning styles, cultural backgrounds, and social-emotional needs. Her mission is to help young people thrive and share their unique perspective with the world. 

Deborah lives in Pasadena, CA, and can most often be found working, writing, reading, or scampering about in nature with her rambunctious 6-year-old son Ocean Henry.

FUN FACT:

Ms. Cloyed starts every class with meditation. The students’ favorites have been Deepak Chopra and Snoop Dogg.