Lacie Schaunaman has been a registered nurse for 22 years now. After more than a decade of working in a hospital setting, her calling to work with kids led to a new opportunity at Frenship ISD. 

 

Principles of Health Science is a course offered at the FHS Ninth Grade Center and taught by Mrs. Schaunaman. An introduction to the structure of the human body and basic medical terminology, this course gives students a glance into the medical field. 

 

We caught up with Mrs. Schaunaman and her class to get a behind the scenes look at this unique opportunity provided to our students. 

 

Q: You have been a registered nurse for 22 years now, how did you become involved in education and why?

Schaunaman: After 18 years of working in a hospital setting, I needed a change. I have always worked with kids and wanted to continue doing so. I was originally looking for a school nurse position but came across the posting for this teaching position, and I was intrigued. I have a trusted friend, that, at that time, happened to be currently working in the HST department at Frenship, so I called her and talked to her about the posting. She thought that I would be a great fit. Here I am five years later so happy with my decision.

 

Q: What is Principles of Health Science?

Schaunaman: Principles of Health science is currently a one-semester class. It is an introductory class for students who are interested in health care. A few of the topics we cover are communication, learning skills to demonstrate professionalism, leadership skills and teamwork.

 

Q: What are students introduced to in your classroom?

Schaunaman: My students receive an overview of different components that are important when working in health care. We work on things like legalities in the health care field and cultures and religions they might encounter while taking care of people. The concepts of safety and infection are also introduced. They start to learn the language of the medical field through medical terminology as well.

 

Q: Do you have to be interested in the medical field to take your course?

Schaunaman: Absolutely not. Almost everyone will be impacted by healthcare somehow, whether that is themselves or a family member. Having a basic knowledge of health care will make them an informed consumer.

 

Q: What is your teaching style and how do you help students retain the information being taught?

Schaunaman: I really try to do something a little different almost every day. It really depends on what my goal is for the student’s learning for that day. I have found that getting the students up and active is important in the classroom setting.

 

Q: What do students take away from your class?

Schaunaman: One of my goals is that students can take any of the information that they have learned in my class and apply it across any industry. Professionalism is truly a tool that will be used in any career choice.

 

Q: Why would you encourage other students to enroll in your class?

Schaunaman: I think it's important to try different things out. You just never know what you will enjoy or what you might be good at. Health science is more than what you see on Grey’s Anatomy. There are more options for jobs in health care besides just being a doctor or nurse.

 

Q: What do you enjoy most about being able to teach Principles of Health Science?

Schaunaman: I enjoy teaching the students about what I did in the hospital setting for 18 years.

 

Q: Are you involved in any other areas at the NGC? 

Schaunaman: At the ninth grade campus I am a member of the CERT team. This is the first year I am able to be involved in that program. For the past two years, I have been split between the ninth grade campus and the high school. Having that schedule did not allow me to be a member of the CERT team, but this year I am full time here at the ninth grade campus. This year is also my fifth year to be an advisor for HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America). HOSA is a student-led organization for any student that is interested in healthcare. We have many competitions and volunteer opportunities for our 144 members --- 51 of which will be competing in El Paso at Area competition soon.

 

When visiting her class, it was obvious her students have a tremendous amount of respect for "Mrs. Schaun," as they call her. 

 

"I love the way she teaches," freshmen Chandler Wilson said. "It keeps me entertained during class. She does different activities that help me retain the information, and she helps us figure out different ways to recall things."

 

Ty'ann Phillips said she wants to be in the medical field when she gets older and this class was an opportunity to get started.

 

"I enjoy Mrs. Schaun," said Phillips. "She makes up fun ways to remember what we're being taught. I've had a better understanding of medical terminology and how to apply it to everyday life because of this course."