Keara Schaffer has always been fascinated with biology and wildlife.
Schaffer is the biology teacher at Lakeland High School. She has never had a second thought about anything else she would rather be doing than having the chance to be around biology all day long.
“I wanted to be a wildlife biologist,” Schaffer said.“I pictured myself as a wildlife biologist spending my time in the field.”
Growing up, Shaffer couldn’t picture herself not becoming a teacher to help other students learn about the things she loves most. Although many people may not like learning about biology, she always finds a way to make it enjoyable.
She is demonstrably passionate about biology, which is essential for teachers as it can help enthuse students. Schaffer also cares about her students and their success.
“Mrs. Shaffer helps me learn through her assessments and notes,” Evan Hildesheim said. “Her upbeat, positive attitude makes me want to learn. She always greets me with a smile.”
Through the years, Schaffer has traveled the world to study biology and get hands-on learning experiences.
She has been to Baja, Mexico and Africa to pursue her fascination with biology. Schaffer spent four weeks in Mexico on a private game reserve. While she was there, she tracked animals and studied their everyday lives.
Schaffer’s crew caught leatherback sea turtles and took them in to ensure they were healthy enough to be released into the wild.
She spent the other four weeks in Africa at a private monkey foundation. Schaffer cleaned up cages and gave the monkeys the needed medication and attention. She spent two of those four weeks in a bush camp in the wilderness surrounded by wild animals with her local guide.
They set up camp with their tents and got to work. She got to hold many animals and help aid their needs. Schaffer took an excursion and had the opportunity to pet many animals, such as koalas and elephants.
With all of this experience, it makes Schaffer a great asset to the science facility. Schaffer’s background and knowledge complement that of the other department members.
This means she has a new perspective and can offer unique insight or resources. She has unique and exciting work experience outside the classroom, providing anecdotes to enhance her teaching and provide real-life applications and links to classroom theory.
John Rockett especially likes working with Schaffer due to her experience in biology.
“She is very approachable, humble and easy to work with,” Rockett said. “I count myself very blessed that I have such a great colleague to work with.”
Outside of teaching, Schaffer loves to do activities outdoors, from summer backpacking to winter snowboarding. She especially loves camping and paddleboarding.