Feature teacher; Denise Shimel
How long have you been working at Bellwood-Antis School District?
I started in August of 2008 for the Class of 2009. This is my 14th school year here at Bellwood.
Was teaching your 1st choice? If not, what was?
YES! I always wanted to be a teacher. For as long as I can remember. I went to college specifically for teaching – though Lycoming College does not have Teaching as a college major! I loved Biology in high school and had the best anatomy teacher that I hoped to emulate. It was a tough decision to choose biology over Spanish tough. I really enjoyed learning and speaking Spanish both in high school and in college, but didn’t feel that I had a strong enough background as a non-native speaker. It may have been easier for me, but I enjoyed science and biology is really what I majored in and wanted to teach so I stuck with that.
I have my Bachelor of Science in Biology from Lycoming College in Williamsport, Class of 2000. My college minor was Spanish, and I had a specialization in teaching since teaching was not offered as a major at Lycoming. Later, I attended Wilkes University and earned a Master of Education in Development and Strategies, Class of 2011.
Why are you a teacher?
I loved school as a student for as long as I could remember. I enjoy helping people and wanted to be around others in my job and like providing a necessary service. I hoped I could make a positive impact on others and lend my expertise and even my struggle from when I was a student in high school and/or college. Learning does not always come easy to me and I always had to work hard to earn good grades. I hoped that I could connect with and help others who struggle academically to reach a higher level with my guidance. I am a firm believer that school should be a safe and nurturing place to help students rise above their current circumstances because knowledge is power. My parents instilled in me that education is a key to a brighter future. So, I hoped I could be a good guide to assist students to prepare for a better life outside of the school building and have future success.
I graduated from West Branch High School in 1996.
I graduated from Lycoming College in Williamsport in 2000.
I graduated from Wilkes University in 2011
I love my job, even on bad days. I sometimes need to remind myself that I do love my job on occasion. I am so happy to be back to in-person learning. I wasn’t a fan of hybrid and/or virtual learning during this crazy pandemic! So, no matter how busy or stressed I feel at times, I know that it’s a great job and I love what I do and working with students and helping to make a difference in someone’s life – even if I never know what that impact might be.I teach the entire sophomore class here at Bellwood for the Keystone Biology Course. I also have a 2 different semester classes = Microbiology and Anatomy – which is for juniors and seniors who met the prerequisites.
