Law Enforcement and Public Safety
The Law and Public Safety Program includes courses in Court Systems, Correctional Services, Law Enforcement 2, Crime Scene Investigations, and Law Practicum. These courses allow students to explore Law and Public Safety professions and skills through hands-on learning such as investigations, fingerprinting, handcuffing, Skills USA competitions, conflict simulations, physical training, CPR, First Aid, defense tactics, criminal procedure, and mock trials.
Pathway Option
Pathway Option
Instructors
Advanced Legal Skills I Court Systems I Practicum in Legal Studies
I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education and Social Studies from Baylor University. SIC’EM Bears! Additionally, I earned a Juris Doctorate from Texas A&M School of Law (Texas Wesleyan).
I am motivated by family as a wife and mom of three. I am very passionate about studying and teaching Law, and I look forward to inspiring that passion in students!
Stephen Gochal
Forensic Science I Practicum in Law Enforcement
I am entering my fourth year of teaching and am excited to continue sharing my passion for public safety with the next generation. While I am relatively new to public education, I bring more than 20 years of real-world experience in the public safety profession.
Before becoming an educator, I served as a Police Officer for just under two decades. Early in my career, I was also certified as a Firefighter and EMT, giving me a broad background in emergency services. Throughout my law enforcement career, I was a TCOLE Certified Instructor and had the privilege of working with our department's Youth Explorer Program for more than 20 years, mentoring and developing future public safety professionals.
Today, I enjoy helping students connect classroom learning with real-world applications in law enforcement, forensic science, and the legal system. My goal is to provide an engaging, hands-on learning environment that prepares students for both college and careers.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family, exploring the outdoors, and tackling DIY and woodworking projects. Of course, during the Texas summer heat, you'll usually find me enjoying the air conditioning indoors!
Jennifer Balzer
Court Systems I Advanced Legal Skills I Practicum in Legal Studies
I have a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Bethel University, in McKenzie Tennessee. I have an extensive criminal justice/law enforcement background, which includes Crisis Intervention Team Instructor and Hostage Negotiator.
I have a wonderfully supportive husband, two high school-aged children, and two dogs (Shelby and Duckie). I look forward to building my students' confidence in and outside of the classroom and inspiring them to be great leaders.
Matthew Shabay
Forensic Science I Honors Forensic Science
My name is Matt Shabay, and I have been teaching for 23 years across multiple school districts in the DFW metroplex, including Keller ISD, HEB ISD, and Carroll ISD. Throughout my career, I have taught Biology, Aquatic Science, Anatomy and Physiology, Medical Microbiology, and Forensic Science.
I joined KCAL in 2021 and currently teach Pathophysiology and Forensics. KCAL is a special place with an incredible number of opportunities for students, and I am grateful to be a part of such a unique and supportive school community.
Outside the classroom, I enjoy traveling with my family, fishing, golfing, and spending time outdoors. My wife, Kelsie, and I have been married for 17 years, and we have two wonderful daughters Noey (12) and Anna Kate (10).