Get to Know: Ms. Schull

Ms. Schull

Room: 831

Can you tell me about your educational background?

I graduated from Hart High School, and then I went to the University of California, San Diego, for my undergraduate degree in marine biology. And then I studied ecology and evolution for a master’s program. So, I did research on that at Florida State University.

Q. What made you want to become a teacher?

I always wanted to be in some form of education. So, I used to be in a program to become a professor, which also involved research, and I love the research. But, eventually, after you’re teaching at the College level, I realized I wanted to get to teach in my hometown, so I really enjoy getting to teach the next generation of scientists rather than students who are already on their way to become scientists. 

Q. What school(s) did you teach at before coming to VHS?

I have taught at Florida State University, La Mesa Junior High, and now at Valencia.

Q: Why did you choose to teach at this school? 

I used to work with Mr. Welch over at La Mesa Junior High. And I loved working with him as a principal, and I really was excited about teaching Biology, since that’s what I have a master’s in. And getting involved with the extracurriculars at the high school level. Plus, one of my sisters went here.

Q: What subjects/grades have you taught? 

I’ve taught bird division, college biology, lower division, college biology, Junior High, and High School.

Q: Can you describe your classroom management style? 

We live by two rules in my classroom. One is the Golden Rule, which is to treat others how you want to be treated. Then two is the Silver Rule, which is essentially mindja, which stands for mind your business, which, in other words, means don’t worry, don’t worry about what others are doing. Don’t worry about, you know, performing at somebody else’s best, but focus on your own very best. Focus on doing your best behaviorally, as an individual, and then of course, if there’s something that needs to be addressed. They can talk to me about that, but other than that, focusing on yourself first is the goal in our classroom.

Q: What do you enjoy most about teaching?

I like that there are always new questions and always new room for discovery, very similar to when you’re doing research. So, I love getting to investigate new ideas or new ways of thinking with my students. So that gives me a new perspective on things that I’ve studied for a very long time, so it always feels like there’s always something to learn, even if it's me. Learning a new way to help others make discoveries. There’s nothing more rewarding than when somebody who’s struggling finally gets something to click with them.

Q. What's your favorite thing about VHS? 

Everybody’s really prideful at being successful here. And I see a lot more endurance, so when students do struggle with things, they are eager to come, get help. And again, they have a lot of pride in being successful. Also, it seems that the staff are very excited to work here as well, so there’s a lot of wonderful staff too. I also love that there are high school sports, and so the morale is great.

Q. What has surprised you the most on campus? 

I would have to say how far apart all the different classes are, so I have so much sympathy for students who have to walk legit really clear across campus to try to get to classes in like a five-minute window.

Q: What’s your favorite book?

So, The Log from the Sea of Cortez, and that is John Steinbeck, Who’s an American Author, but it’s his account of a journey across what is now known as the Gulf of California. But it used to be called the Sea of Cortez, so his best friend was an early marine biologist, and he and Steinbeck went on the ship to go just document a whole bunch of marine organisms and go on this journey in the Sea Cortez. And it’s great to hear about somebody else’s perspective on what hanging out with a biologist is like, but he’s also a great offer. So, a lot of adventure science, and very witty, dry humor in that book.