From a young age, Geizi Dejka envisioned herself wearing a white coat, working in hospitals and helping people through the field of medicine.
A Passion for Science That Evolved Into a Calling
Her love for science led her to pursue biology courses with confidence, each class bringing her closer to the medical career she imagined. But as she studied complex scientific concepts, something unexpected happened.
While mastering the material, she realized she wasn’t just learning for herself. She was learning with others. Dejka discovered joy in explaining ideas, answering questions and watching the spark of understanding light up in someone else’s eyes. This subtle shift became the catalyst that redirected her future.
Building San Juan College High School From the Ground Up
In 2016, Dejka became one of the six original educators who helped establish San Juan College High School. Her strong foundation in biology, paired with her education coursework, equipped her to help build a school designed to elevate academics and ignite student curiosity.
It was her natural enthusiasm that transformed her classroom from a traditional learning space into a dynamic environment of discovery.
Seth Martinez, Principal of San Juan College High School, describes her impact clearly:
“Geizi has an innate passion for teaching that you can feel the moment you walk into her classroom. She is completely engaged with her students, creating a dynamic environment where kids walk out with a new love and perspective for science. She elevates our school’s climate and culture every single day.”
A Surprising and Well-Deserved Recognition
Dejka was shocked when she learned she had been nominated and selected as the New Mexico 2025 Outstanding Biology Teacher.
“I never thought someone was looking,” she said. The award recognizes excellence in science education statewide, and her selection reflects both her outstanding professional skill and her deep commitment to students.
But for Dejka, science has never been a “sit and listen” subject. Her classroom hums with activity labs, models, hands-on experiments and constant movement. Students feel safe to ask questions and bold enough to explore new ideas.
Defining Success One Student at a Time
Dejka measures success far beyond grades and medals. Sometimes it comes in the form of a single quiet student who finally participates.
“If I have one kid who doesn’t participate, who’s just at school to get through the day, and I can get them involved, even once, that’s a success story.”
This philosophy anchors her teaching and shapes her interactions with students every day.
Advocating for Students Beyond the Classroom
For the past three years, Dejka has also served as a Society for Science Teacher Advocate, mentoring underrepresented students as they enter competitive research programs and science fairs. Her students participate in prestigious events such as the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) and the National American Indian Science and Engineering Fair (NAISEF).
Through her guidance, more students each year embrace the idea that science doesn’t just live in textbooks; it belongs to them.
Carrying Her Community Into the Spotlight
When Dejka accepted her Outstanding Biology Teacher award in St. Louis, she carried more than her own accomplishments; she carried her community.
“We put SJC and Farmington on the map,” she said. “A community a lot of people don’t know about. And that feels special.”
Principal Martinez underscored why her recognition matters:
“Geizi would be the exact same teacher without it. She doesn’t do this work for awards. She does it for her students. And that’s why she’s so extraordinary.”
For the students who enter her room each day, science becomes something vibrant, accessible and full of possibility. They leave not just with knowledge, but with a belief in their own potential.
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