Debra A. Lujan

Science Teacher with extensive experience in developing lesson plans that meet state curriculum standards. Proven ability to create collaborative learning environments that enhance critical thinking and student engagement. Achievements include notable increases in student comprehension of scientific concepts and heightened interest in STEM disciplines. Committed to ongoing professional development and collaboration to elevate educational standards.

• 2008, Introduced AP Environmental Science to Katella and the district. Currently taught in 6 of the 8 high schools.
• 2009, Introduced first Earth Club to Katella.
• 2016, Aided in the planning and organization of the student garden and education component for the DROPS grant. Documentary made 2017.
• 2017, Developed/Organized the student-lead tour through the campus for the Katella’s DROPS Grant event., Designed and helped create Katella’s student garden and learning center. Wrote and awarded grants to obtain funding - The Whole Foods Garden Grant (2021) and the FedCo Grant (2014 - 2016; 2018 - 2021).
• 2017, Wrote the curriculum for a non-AP Environmental Science class for 11th/12th graders. Class was designated as a D lab science in 2018.
• 2017 - 2019, Taught (non-AP) Environmental Science course. Students participated in Strategic Energy Innovations statewide Energy Conservation Competition; school won for best promotion of event 2018, 2019.
• 2019, Students participated in CSU Fullerton Sustainability Conference - presented data for KHS Water Audit and Conservation Project - April, 2019., Strategic Energy Innovations: Green Career Expo - May 2019., Fundraising event - Love and Bananas: Documentary with the film’s director as a guest speaker. Event raised over $1000 to be donated to the Save the Elephant Foundation in Thailand - October 2018., Students designed and made anti-littering posters, TAG (THROW AWAY GUM) disposal containers, pen/pencil/glue recycling containers, and cans/bottles recycling boxes - Fall, 2019., Organized outreach programs visits by local elementary schools to Katella - Water Exploration and Conservation - per DROPS grant., Co-wrote proposal for California Recycling Grant; received in 2020.
• 2019 - 2021, Wrote application for California Green Ribbon School, received: Bronze 2020, Silver 2021, Green 2022, National Green Ribbon Recognition - 2022.
• 2022, Organized state Green Ribbon Award ceremony at Katella High School.
• 2023, Wrote curriculum of Environmental Living Earth course to be taught in Fall 2024.
• 2024, Wrote proposal for KHS Community Schools funding - Saturday Academy Career Exploration program. Proposal was accepted in May, 2024.