Faculty Focus | Scott Fleischmann Retires

CARING FOR THE WHOLE STUDENT

Q & A with Retiring Science Faculty Scott Fleischmann

In the two decades that retiring Science Faculty Scott Fleischmann has been a part of the DSHA community, he’s taught nearly every science course offered. While current students know him as an anatomy and physiology expert who shows up consistently at their games, plays, and concerts, they also know him as a patient and helpful teacher who loves to see his students succeed in his class and beyond. Fleischmann has valued helping his students become passionate about current and future science endeavors through numerous co-curriculars. And he has loved his time accompanying students on excursions that help them become well-rounded in their interests, whether that be the marine biology science trip in Hawaii, or the DSHA Drama Club trip in New York City. While looking forward to his retirement, the summary of his parting could be this: he will miss the science, but he will truly and deeply miss his work alongside of his students and colleagues.

Q: You’ve spent almost your entire career at DSHA. Why choose an all-girls, Catholic school? A: When (former Principal) Sr. Virginia Honish, SDS, DS ’55, hired me in 1999, I didn’t really plan on teaching at DSHA for my entire career. But after my first year here, I realized I wouldn’t want to teach anywhere else. Our students are amazing; they want to work hard and learn. They look out for each other and care about their school. That is truly unique. Working in a Catholic school, we enjoy a religious environment with daily prayers twice a day, as well as Mass and service opportunities. Daily interactions were very different in the other schools in which I taught for the first 4 years of my career. At DSHA, you can talk about God and Catholic social teaching. When going through difficult times, having class prayers and discussions can be very beneficial. These reasons brought me back to DSHA year after year.

Q: You are proud of the dedication of DSHA’s faculty and staff. What faculty members have inspired you and why? A: Over the past 20 years, I have had the opportunity to work with so many great colleagues. Three people from DSHA who made huge impacts on me all had similar characteristics and loved their careers: Sue Reidy (former Science faculty, who passed away in 2015), Tim Grandy (former English faculty), and Sr. Virginia. They worked many years without complaining and always focused on the good of the students. They took the time to talk with

you whenever you saw them. They cared about me as a friend and colleague.

Q: At one point you were thinking about medical school. When did you decide to go into teaching, and what factors played into that?

A: Growing up, I wanted to be a doctor. After my first semester at UW-Milwaukee, I realized that a medical career was not for me. The pre-med students I knew all had very driven, type-A personalities. I am more relaxed and knew it would be challenging. The next semester, I continued studying and considered a career as a research scientist. However, I really needed to interact with people more than a research career would allow. I had some great science teachers during high school who really inspired me. I decided that teaching would be a great way to utilize my passion for science while working with people. Pursuing a career as a science teacher was definitely the best choice for me, and I have never regretted my decision.

Q: What do you hope students have gained from the classes you’ve taught? A: I have been teaching anatomy and physiology for the past six years. For students planning on a career in healthcare, I hope they gain an understanding and appreciation of the human body and how every part has a purpose. Hopefully this class provided a good foundation for their future science classes. For students not planning on a career in healthcare, I hope they gain an apprecia“...your passion and drive to help others and achieve your goals. This gives me the motivation to accomplish my goals while keeping in mind the good of others. Thank you for being compassionate, caring, and a great father to look up to.” - Abby Fleischmann, DSHA ’20 tion of the structure and function of the Meteorology (dual-credit college-level

body. Also, as health issues arise in their families, I hope they will have a better understanding of the issues and interact with healthcare providers regarding those issues.

Q: What is your favorite DSHA memory? A: My favorite memories are going to the theatre and music productions; watching our talented athletes compete; and interacting with students on field trips. Through these things, students were able to showcase their talents and I was able to see their personalities outside of the classroom.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to mention?

A: During retirement, my wife and I are planning to travel and experience new cultures and foods. Trips we plan on taking first are to Iceland as well as New Zealand. We also plan to participate in medical mission trips to the Caribbean, Central or South America. So between tute teaching, I think I will stay very busy.

Years at DSHA: 21

Classes taught: • Freshman Introductory Chemistry and Physics • Biology and Accelerated Biology • Chemistry • Environmental Science • Earth Sciences: Geology, Oceanography, Astronomy, • Anatomy and Physiology volunteering, traveling, and some substi

course)

Clubs, activities, and trips moderated: • Science Club • Healthcare Occupation Student Association Club • SMART (Students Modeling a Research Topic) Team including trips to the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Annual Conference • Marine biology trips to Hawaii

What he will miss most at DSHA, besides his students: The faculty and staff; lunches with the science department; talking to the custodial and maintenance staff; and enjoying DSHA events with the TSC.

Favorite quote: "Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less." - Marie Curie

Family: wife, Michelle; son, Thomas, and daughter, Abby, Fleischmann DSHA ’20; goldendoodles Orion and Cassie

Education: • BS in Secondary Education and Biology, Minor in Chemistry, UW-Milwaukee • MA in Teaching, Aurora

MR. FLEISCHMANN, THANK YOU FOR….

University “…expanding my interest in the human body and its functions. Because of you, my desire to enter the medical field after college has increased immensely. Your enthusiastic spirit in the classroom and dedication to the students at DSHA will be missed!”

“…showing me what it means to have a job you love and to be truly passionate about what you are doing, and inspiring me to do the same.”