Linda Mallory’s journey to becoming a beloved math and science teacher at Escuela de Guadalupe was anything but linear. From growing up in small towns across South Dakota, to traveling the world with her Army husband, to motherhood, her path has been shaped by resilience, passion, and a deep love for teaching. Today, she serves as a Denver science teacher at Escuela de Guadalupe, a place that has come to feel like home.
Roots in Small-Town Life
Linda spent her childhood in various tiny towns throughout South Dakota. In fifth grade, she moved to the town of Vivian, which had a population of about 100 people. Her elementary school class consisted of just eight students—seven boys and Linda. She later attended Lyman High School, where she graduated with a class of just 54 students.
As Linda continued her education, she first attended Mankato State University (now the University of Minnesota at Mankato) before transferring to South Dakota State University. However, struggling with homesickness and uncertainty about her future, she took a break from college. During that time, she joined the National Guard and trained as a pharmacy technician, later working at Brookings Hospital in South Dakota.
Life took another turn when she met her husband, a full-time Army serviceman, and moved to Germany for two years. Upon returning to the U.S., she found herself in Lusk, Wyoming, where she discovered her passion for teaching.
“I started subbing at my kids’ school and I really loved it!” she recalls. “So, on a whim one day, I drove over to Chadron, Nebraska and went to Chadron State College and asked them what I needed to do to get my teaching degree.”
Determined to achieve her goal, Linda commuted 80 miles one way to attend school. With young children at home, balancing school and family life was no easy feat. She often had to leave at 4:00 AM for early morning classes, relying on a strong support system of family members to help with childcare. Despite the challenges, she persisted, earning her degree in December 1998.
Gaining Experience in Different Classrooms
Over the years, Linda taught in a variety of educational settings, from small rural schools to large urban districts, in both public and private institutions. Her first full-time teaching job was in South Dakota, where she worked as a special education aide before securing a middle school teaching position.
For 13 years, she taught in Spearfish, South Dakota, where she worked with students in alternative education programs and later transitioned to teaching subjects like math, English, geography, and science. Her adaptability and broad skillset allowed her to navigate different teaching environments, from structured rural schools to challenging urban settings.
When she moved to Colorado, she taught in Aurora Public Schools and later at a K-8 school in Green Valley Ranch. However, the lack of support in these schools made her question whether she wanted to continue teaching. She nearly left the profession altogether—until Escuela de Guadalupe came calling.
Finding a Home at Escuela de Guadalupe
Just as Linda was contemplating leaving teaching, a call from Escuela de Guadalupe changed everything. Unsure at first, she decided to give it one more shot.
“If I like it, I’ll stay. If I don’t, I’m done,” she told herself.
Six years later, she’s still here—and thriving as a Denver science teacher. The close-knit community, the support from staff, and the ability to teach with passion and autonomy have made all the difference. At Escuela, she has the freedom to shape her curriculum and instill in students a love for science. She integrates real-world issues, like climate change and genetics, into her middle school lessons, encouraging students to think critically and engage in meaningful discussions.
This Denver Science Teacher has a Vision for Her Students
Linda has always loved science, and her enthusiasm is infectious. She wants her students to leave her class with a genuine appreciation for the subject.
Her teaching approach is rooted in engagement and curiosity. She believes in making science accessible and exciting, emphasizing hands-on learning and ethical discussions. Her students don’t just memorize facts—they learn to question, explore, and develop a lifelong love for discovery.
“My goal is that they leave here loving something about science,” she says. “I want them to enjoy it so much that they look for more science classes when they get to high school.”
Reflections on Middle School and Teaching
Having been a middle schooler herself in a small school setting, Linda deeply understands the challenges her students face. She remembers her own struggles with wanting to fit in, balancing academics with extracurriculars like cheerleading, basketball, and track, and navigating the complexities of adolescence. Her empathy for her students fuels her dedication to their growth and success.
For Linda, the greatest reward comes when former students return to share their successes. Hearing from alumni who feel well-prepared for high school and beyond is her biggest source of validation.
“I think that’s the best part—when they come back and say, ‘I loved your class. It made high school so easy.’ That’s how I know I’ve done my job.”
