ALBUQUERQUE, NM, March 17, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Debora Ann Restifo Vigil has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Ms. Vigil, a retired teacher with Albuquerque Public Schools, has dedicated nearly four decades to the field of education, specializing in special education, gifted children and elementary education. Her career is marked by a commitment to adapting educational strategies to meet the diverse needs of her students. In the early 1990s, she pioneered the development of Individualized Education Programs for students with learning disabilities, allowing them to transition smoothly into middle school. She recognized the importance of placing students in regular classes for subjects where they excelled while providing specialized support in areas where they faced challenges.

Throughout her career, Ms. Vigil demonstrated a remarkable ability to innovate and engage her students. At Zuni Elementary School, she was instrumental in integrating technology into the classroom by utilizing the Promethean board to create interactive lessons. This initiative was among the first of its kind and significantly enhanced student engagement. Additionally, she conducted a year-long simulation project with her gifted students using the Marsville project, which involved researching and presenting plans for establishing a colony on Mars.

Ms. Vigil also played a key role in piloting the Crane Reynolds Program when working with students with disabilities. The program was designed to give rewards for good work and eventually re-integrate students into general education. However, when working with gifted students, she emphasized creativity and critical thinking, implementing a new program called Genius Hour, which allowed students the freedom to choose and present on their own research topics.

The first half of Ms. Vigil's career was spent mostly in special education for behavior and learning disabilities, while her later career focused on the gifted population. Before her work with Albuquerque Public Schools, she contributed her talents to Fred Astaire Dance Studios. Her dedication to education extended beyond her professional life as she actively supported her daughter who is a speech pathologist.

Ms. Vigil's academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and sociology from MacMurray College in 1976. She furthered her education at The University of New Mexico, earning a master's degree in special education in 1981 along with coursework in elementary and gifted education. Her commitment to continuous learning is evident through her participation in numerous workshops and her application of innovative teaching models, such as The Autonomous Learner Model.

In addition to her professional achievements, Ms. Vigil is a supporter of civic-minded organizations like the National Audubon Society and the World Wildlife Fund. In her personal life, she enjoys dancing, knitting and assisting her daughter professionally. As she looks forward to slowing down and relaxing, she remains focused on maintaining her physical health while continuing to support her family endeavors.

Reflecting on her career, Ms. Vigil attributes her success to remaining abreast of industry trends and incorporating new knowledge into her teaching strategy. As a continuous learner herself, she seeks to instill this love of learning in her students and particularly enjoys trying new teaching methods with her gifted students.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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