For the first three months of this school year, Amy Glanzer was a fundamental part of LHS, filling in as a Science Research teacher for Kathleen McAuley while she was on maternity leave. Although her time at LHS recently came to an end, the impact she appears to have made on her students will be long-lasting and cherished.
Glanzer graduated with the LHS Class of 2017 and has transitioned from being a student in the Science Research program, to now teaching it. She recalled, “Some of the PowerPoints and worksheets that I’m using with the freshmen are still the same PowerPoints and worksheets that I did.” This connection to her past has made her journey even more meaningful, as she describes it as “a full-circle moment.”
Her journey from being a chemist to now an educator is one of passion and purpose. While pursuing her graduate degree, Glanzer discovered her love for teaching during a required teaching assignment. “I love chemistry and research,” she explained, “but in grad school, I realized I wanted to spend my career teaching high school students instead of being in the laboratory.” This realization inspired her to shift her career path, and her time at LHS has helped her solidify this decision. “It’s been amazing, definitely reaffirming that I made the right choice for me,” she noted.
In addition to teaching, Glanzer enjoyed reconnecting with her former teachers. “It definitely takes some getting used to,” she said. “It’s so familiar because you spent four years here. Many of the teachers I had are still here, so it’s been fun reconnecting with them.” Reflecting on her unique position as both a former student and now a colleague to her old teachers, Glanzer added, “The dynamic is very interesting—I still refer to them as if I were a student.”
One of the most fulfilling aspects of her time at LHS was working with the passionate and driven students in the Science Research program. “The day-to-day interactions have been so heartening,” she said. “Watching students, from freshmen just starting out, to seniors submitting to Regeneron, reminds me of my own journey, and how much the program gave me in high school, and how far I have come since then.”
Glanzer’s positive influence has affected both her students and colleagues. Freshman Joshua Schneider expressed, “She is a great teacher. She made the lab space fun and safe. I am really sad to see her go.” English teacher Jessica Sanders shared, “I knew Ms. Glanzer very well as a student here at LHS. I taught her in English 9 Honors, and she is one of my all-time top students.” Sanders continued, “She has always been a standout, both as a student and now as a colleague. We share some of the same students this year, and they all speak highly of her and have enjoyed having her as a teacher.”
To current students considering careers in science, Glanzer offers words of encouragement: “Recognize that science and research is challenging, but those challenges will only make you a better scientist.” She also advised, “Stay connected with your teachers and enjoy your time here. LHS is a very special community.”
Outside of teaching, Glanzer enjoys curling—a hobby she shares with her father—and watching her favorite TV show, The Office. Reflecting on her journey, she shared a meaningful quote that she follows and hopes others will too: “Everything happens for a reason.”
As Glanzer prepares to leave, with McAuley returning to her place, she expressed, “Returning to the research program has allowed me to share what I’ve learned since graduation, and it feels great to give back to the program that gave me so much in high school.” She added, “Being able to share my passion and show students what I’ve gained from the program has been a lot of fun.”
