Seven years ago, Karlee Campbell, 30, returned to her alma mater South Beauregard High School to give back and teach.

She attended South Beauregard from kindergarten to senior year graduation. It was at those campuses her ambitions to become a teacher were solidified. Even though she always knew her career path, her science teachers at South Beauregard cleared the way.

“My high school science teacher, Mrs. Crain, sparked my interest in becoming a science teacher because she made learning fun, hands-on, and interesting,” she recalled. “She put a lot of energy and effort into our success, and I knew I wanted to be that teacher to my future students.”

After graduating from high school, she earned a Bachelor of Science from McNeese State University and a Master of Education in educational leadership from Northwestern State University.

She has taught for nine years. Her first two years were spent at Singer High School, where she taught several subjects including biology I, biology II,  physical science, chemistry, environmental science and physical education.

The rest of her career has been spent on the campus of South Beauregard. She currently teaches seventh-grade science, but she has also taught eighth grade there. On top of her responsibilities as a teacher, she is the high school cross-country coach.

Science called to Campbell for a number of reasons. While she had the “best science teachers” that she aspires to mirror, she already has an innate adoration for the subject.

“God created us and everything, so it is fascinating to study it and share my love of it to my students,” she explained. “From the tiniest detail of a cell to the broad spectrum of earth and space.”

Her students are taught life science, physical science, earth and space science, where they learn about matter and its interactions, energy, molecules, heredity, evolution, ecosystems, earth systems, earth and human activities, and natural resources.

She curates a classroom for students where they feel welcomed.

“My students know they can always come talk to me and that I will listen. I provide a space that they can be themselves, while still holding them accountable.”

She said she likes teaching seventh grade because children are fun at that age, she said. The students are “full of personality and eager to learn.” Building trusting relationships with her students is the part of the job she treasures the most.

“I am in the best position to show God’s love and be His hands and feet on a daily basis.”

Taking the time to bond with students is especially important when they are in the seventh grade.

“Being 12 and 13 years old is a tough time,” she said. “I make it a point to check in on my students. You never know what they’re going through at home or in their everyday life. I strive to have meaningful conversations as a ‘check-in’ and let them know I care for them. If I can make at least one student smile and know that I’m here for them, then I know that I can make a difference in some way.”