Beck Imparts Love for Science with Humor
Debi Beck can be a demanding teacher. Just ask her Huntington High School students past and present. She expects the best from the teenagers enrolled in her science classes and she never fails to give her best effort in return.
Mrs. Beck, who can be a very witty and downright funny person, has been teaching in Huntington for 18 years. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in biology at St. Joseph’s College in Patchogue and went on to earn two master’s degrees at Long Island University – C.W. Post in biology and biochemistry.
At Huntington she has taught AP Biology, Honors Living Environment, Honors Chemistry, Living Environment, Regents Chemistry, Animal Behavior, Forensic Science, seventh grade science and even General Science.
After 11 years in the district, she finally landed where she always wanted to be - teaching AP Biology “and I have happily been teaching that for the last seven years,” Mrs. Beck said. “This is the subject that I have three degrees in and so it is a good match.”
The classroom veteran readily admits she loves all areas of biology and the AP Biology curriculum serves up some of her favorite topics, also with a few that she isn’t as fond of but which nevertheless need to be covered, too.
“I try to impart a love of biology, as well as science, to all my students with a blend of humor, energy and lots of pictures,” Mrs. Beck said with a smile on her face. “I have very high expectations of my AP Bio students and they have never failed to deliver. They work very hard - almost as hard as me, and they have great success on the AP Biology exam.”
Teaching AP Biology is quite demanding and to excel in it as a student requires hours of time consuming study. “They don’t appreciate the hard work when they are doing it, but most come back to express their appreciation after the AP Biology exam, and I am honored to have our best and brightest complimenting me,” Mrs. Beck said with pride.
“Ms. Beck is completely committed to her curriculum and her students,” said David Casamento, district director of science and instructional technology. “She is a master at teaching AP Biology and year after year the majority of her students receive a 5 on the exam. This is a testament to her commitment and resolve to seeing her students succeed and get the college credit they deserve.”
The top faculty member has also been teaching Forensic Science for the past seven years and she said it’s been “a pleasure” working with students taking the popular elective. “The curriculum is interesting and hands-on and the students enjoy the class. I try to teach subjects students want to learn as well as what they will be tested on, but I also teach skills needed in college - like independent working, reading and taking their own notes and resilience when faced with grades lower than what they would like.”
A quick check with students, parents and alumni reveals Mrs. Beck receives top marks from all of them. Why? What has been the secret to her magic?
It starts with her excellent work ethic and the fact she really cares about her students as people. Throw in her legendary depth of understanding of all areas of biology and forensic science and Mrs. Beck has the ability to simplify concepts and explain them in a way her students can understand.
The teenagers in her class notice the little – and big – things their teacher does to help them succeed. “I will grade papers immediately so that my students can have instant feedback before we move on to another topic,” Mrs. Beck said. “I am organized, dependable, and always available for help or for writing letters of recommendation.”
In a high school with so many courses and programs of study and so many good teachers, Mrs. Beck has always stood out. “I hope my students walk away with a memory of what I have taught them, with an interest in pursuing science in college, and of a memory of me as a tough, but caring and competent teacher,” she said.
While she is a tough taskmaster, to be sure, it’s clear that Mrs. Beck has the utmost respect for her students and holds them in remarkably high esteem. “My students are so great that I hope my own children (two boys ages 11 and 14) grow up to be as intelligent, dedicated and personable as them,” she said.
All graphics, photographs, and text appearing on the Huntington Public Schools home page and subsequent official web pages are protected by copyright. Redistribution or commercial use is prohibited without express written permission. Comments or Questions? email the Public Information Office