Debbie Schmalz, science teacher

“I just just love seeing students get excited about learning, and the best part is the joy of an ‘aha’ moment,” science teacher Debbie Schmalz said.

Schmalz has always enjoyed science. After being a physician assistant for a gastroenterologist in Washington, Schmalz moved to California and earned a biology degree at San Jose State University. Afterward, Schmalz became a research technician in an infectious disease lab at a Stanford University hospital but soon missed working with others and decided to teach science instead. She taught biology, chemistry, physics, PE and algebra at Cuyama Valley High School in California, before coming to Lynbrook in 1997, where she has taught science for the past 25 years.

Schmalz involved herself at Lynbrook by helping with activities such as initiating and maintaining the paper recycling program and advising the Rubik’s Cube club, Bridge club and Leaf club, a past environmental science club. Having always been interested in the environment and animals, Schmalz has kept animals in the classroom for her students, ranging from tarantulas to her snake, Elizabeth. As she concludes this chapter of her life at Lynbrook, she expresses appreciation for staff and students for creating a fun and enjoyable school atmosphere.

“I just know I’m going to really miss this place,” Schmalz said. “It’s like a second home to me.”