The farthest classroom on the ground floor of the science wing, plastered in pink and leopard print, hides science teacher Hayley Schlabowske. She teaches multiple science classes, including biology, zoology, marine biology, environmental science, and AP environmental science. The classroom is home to a leopard gecko named Beckett, who matches almost all decorations. The classroom also formerly housed a hungry turtle named Winston, but since the beginning of the semester, he has been living with one of her students.
Her story began after a diagnosis of type one diabetes at 11 years old. For those unaware, having type one diabetes means the pancreas makes no insulin, and those who have it must take lab-made insulin multiple times a day. She shared,
“After that day I had a fascination with all things related to science and knew that I wanted to have a career surrounded by science.”
After discovering her diagnosis, she became infatuated with science again, but in a different light.
“I fell in love with the idea of being a science teacher specifically when I was in high school and I got the opportunity to TA science and math classes.”
Mrs.Schlabowske’s soft spot for science guided her from high school, to college, and back to high school again. When teaching came into the picture, it brought her career full circle, just like the carbon cycle. She said,
“I have been a teacher since 2022, so this is my 3rd school year. When I graduated from college I took a job here at Muscatine High School and I have been here for all three years!”
Despite her other classes having different focuses, she carries one topic into each of them.
“I developed a passion for all things related to environmental science and have been able to bring what I learned into all of my classes”
She also shared that out of all the classes, both of the environmental science classes are her favorites because of fieldwork and research on the topic she did in college. She encourages students to take on the challenge of AP environmental science class, and said,
“Environmental science is a very important field of science that all students should learn about and it is the ability for students to make a difference in our world surrounding any environmental issues.”
Mrs. Schlabowske wants everyone to enjoy her classes as much as she enjoys teaching them. She works hard to make the class engaging for everyone. She shared,
“I try to make science fun for my students by planning as many experiments and hands-on activities as I can.”
Not only does she include direct experiments and interactive activities, but she also teaches lessons that are relevant to today’s issues. Despite attempts at class participation, some students just simply aren’t impressed.
“One of the hardest challenges I face as a science teacher is trying to get all of my students interested in learning science. Not everyone is interested in doing dissections or hands-on experiments because they are simply not a ‘science person”.
The main solution to this issue is the mindset of the students. As long as they are willing to learn and try, things in class will easily be more interesting. Regardless of the common classroom issues, there are constant advantages to her work.
“The most rewarding part of my job is to see my students complete a lab, dissection, or any activity and they have excitement about doing that activity while understanding the content and meaning of the activity.”
Besides understanding the work of the students, she also enjoys taking her marine biology class on a special trip every year.
“We have a great time and it is so nice to see them apply what they have learned in the class to the experience they have while at Shedd Aquarium.”
The classroom is where the real fun is though, with an out-of-the-ordinary pet.
“I currently have one class pet and her name is Beckett. She is a leopard gecko. She used to have a buddy named Winston who was a painted turtle. Winston was rehomed at the beginning of this semester to one of my student’s houses. I do plan on getting a veiled chameleon very soon though!”
Overall, Mrs.Schlabowske teaches great classes and has a pretty awesome room. If you ever stop by, make sure to say hi to Beckett and compliment Mrs. Schlabowske on her dodgeball skills (iykyk). For more stories on the coolest teachers around Mhs, head to our spotlight section on our website!
