Deb Schaner
Position: Science Teacher
School: Randolph Union High School
School District: Orange Southwest School District
City, State: Randolph, VT
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Deb Schaner was nominated by a colleague, Flora Quevedo.
"Deb Schaner brings science to life for her students daily with a profound love of marine biology. I still remember her first weeks at our school four years ago and the smell from her live fish dissections that permeated through the building—the first time in my 15+ years of teaching that I have ever had a science teaching colleague offer a full-scale dissection for every single student. While this was memorable, her other contributions to marine science in the landlocked community of Randolph, VT, are remarkably greater," said Quevedo.
Two years ago, she initiated and organized a trip to the Florida Keys for Randolph students to do live science in the Marine labs, soliciting substantial fundraising to make this and future trips possible. Last year, she took a group to the Bahamas to conduct multiple day and night dives up to 60 ft underwater as they worked on restoring the coral reef while living at sea. Students have returned eager for more. So many students were interested in her Marine Science class this year that an essay was required to determine who could take the course. These students will be able to attend another Florida Keys trip this winter. This past summer, students completed scuba training in anticipation of the opportunity to join the Bahamas trip next year. Students report marine biology as their intended major and pursue advanced scuba diving opportunities in their spare time.
"Deb is a LifeChanger! We are so thankful for her bringing marine biology to life for our students and bringing our students to hands-on opportunities in marine biology," said Quevedo.
In the short yet long time that I've had Mrs Schaner as a teacher, she has easily been the most kind-hearted and supportive teacher yet. Despite everything, she comes to school every day with a smile and the most positive attitude toward her students and fellow teachers! She always greets me when I enter the classroom and checks up with me and all my classmates. She never fails to check in on me and be a supportive friend when things get tough! In terms of class work and feeling prepared she never disappoints on the assignments that prepare us for the tests. The work she assigns really engages me which makes learning more effective and fun! I enjoy her class so much that I am looking forward to attending her AP Environmental Science class next year! Walking up to science class and seeing her standing outside the classroom with a big grin on her face is without a doubt the highlight of my day! I'm looking forward to spending the rest of the year in her class, you really are a lifesaver!
Teachers are a gift in general. Then there are teachers like Deb who will humbly say they are there to learn from the students, lend them an ear when needed, listen to their jokes, guide them in education, and work hard to stimulate those teenage brains. Not only does she provide a shoulder and ear when needed, but she engages, asks questions and genuinely invests herself in the conversation. She makes a point to stop by any given lunch table to chat with the students, pays attention when someone seems down. Her passion for Science is contagious. My son has her for the first time this 10th grade year, and plans to take her AP Environmental Science class next year. The way she can show students that science can be fun, and what a huge impactful role it plays in our Universe, is unique and welcomed by all. There are not enough positive words to describe this impressive person. She's truly a shining star in the great Universe of teachers!
Mrs Schaner is the best teacher I've had! In the semester I've been in her course I've looked forward to every class and she feels like a friend, role model, teacher, and beam of sunshine all in one! She is so positive towards everyone and will put in so much time to anyone who needs help with anything not just her science class! If there was ever a chance for her to support you she would go without batting an eye and makes everyone feel great as an individual! Everyone on the planet deserves someone like her and I look forward to the work and experiences forward I'll have with her. You're more than just a life changer!
Ms. Schaner is an amazing person and is my biology teacher this year. She is always trying to help us learn new things and have fun with whatever work we do. She is one of my favorite teachers and I will always love her class.
Deb Shaner is an amazing teacher who pushes her students to do they best they can. She also cares a lot about her students and supports them in every possible way. Deb spends a lot of time making sure that students succeed and that they get the best opportunities avaliable. She is an amazing, dedicated, inspirational person and is very deserving of this award.
Deb Shaner is an awesome science teacher. She takes her students on once in a lifetime trips where they get hands on learning out in the field. My son went on her first scuba diving trip where students helped with coral reef restoration. She was one of the teachers who best supported my son in his learning. She sees the potential in her students and loves to have them learn through real life experiences. Thank you Deb for all that you did for my son and furthering his education.
Ms.Schaner is the most caring, inspiring, determined, intelligent, trustworthy and dedicated teacher I know. She’s the one who made me love learning and going to school. She makes learning fun and school feel safe. Her trip to Florida changed my perspective on so many things, and it helped me reconnect with nature. In my eyes She’s the only
Person who deserves this award.
Ms. Schaner took my class to Key Largo, Florida last June. It was an amazing experience for me and my peers. I made connections with some classmates I’d never thought I would before. I stepped out of my comfort zone and swam with the sharks and many other aquatic creatures I saw that I never knew existed. It was absolutely beautiful and fun so while learning so much. Ms. Schaner does everything she can possible to make her students want to learn and have fun while doing it.
Deb is the kindest most enthusiastic teacher I have ever met. She taught my daughter so much. And when she was struggling she helped to make sure she understood the lesson. Their trip to the FL Keys was life changing for my daughter. I hope Deb continues to take kids on trips like this in the future.
Mrs.Schaner is such a lovely human being. I’m a single mother of 2 daughters. with little time to work with my children on school work. My youngest daughter was set to fail a test that would affect her ability to go on an amazing trip Mrs.Schaner set up for our students to go to florida and explore coral reefs and the life of a scientist.
She worked with me personally and taught me everything she that i could easily explain it to my daughter. She did this after hrs and on her own time.
My entire family is greatful to Mrs.Schaner for her endless giving and caring.
Ms Schaner is my sons advisor since entering high school as well as his teacher for two classes. She has been one of his biggest supporters and always encourages him to be his very best. She is someone whose advice he really respects. Her love of science is contagious and the enthusiasm she brings out in kids is most definitely life changing. She absolutely deserves this award. We will forever be grateful for the support she has given to our son!
Our two boys have been students in Ms. Schaner’s science classes. She is so passionate about science, students can’t help but be engaged. What stands out the most is that she goes out of her way to support, encourage and advocate for her students in and outside of class. She recognizes each student’s strengths and lets them know what opportunities may be available to support their strengths and help them grow. She has encouraged my boys to take AP classes and apply for opportunities such as Governor’s Institute, college scholarships and the military.
Deb Schafer is an amazing educator. She brings her passion for life and learning into the classroom. My daughter went on a trip to the Florida Keys to learn about marine biology. It gave her a new outlook on the natural world and how she fits into it. Deb is definitely offers life changing opportunities for her students.
Deb has inspired my 10th grader in ways that are both exciting and inspiring. As an educator myself, I know the challenges of working with teenagers, but her love of science and the ocean is contagious and promotes sincere engagement. She makes biology fun and interesting and encourages students to ask good questions. I am so grateful that my kids get to experience science with Deb.
Deb is amazing and always put the kids first by going above and beyond for them. She has engageable lessons and gives them the most amazing experiences!