Noyce Scholar Profile
Karen Allnutt
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Biology
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Science, grades 7-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
University of Northern Colorado
Current academic or teaching status:
Senior
School and school district:
Teacher at Lexington High School, Lexington, NE
Background:
I am a native of Colorado, growing up in a small mountain town with a love of being outside and spending time with friends and family. I was always an avid reader and in high school I fell in love with science. It is exciting to be able to understand the world around me and how my own body works. I graduated from high school in 2010 and started at the University of Northern Colorado where I was a pre-med major, I soon realized that I had a passion for helping others understand the world around them. I have always lived in Colorado but am excited to start my teaching career in Nebraska.
Why do you want to teach:
I had an amazing teacher in high school whose class always challenged me. I loved the challenge and pushed myself to go above and beyond to understand the science. He helped me to find my passion in life, and I want to be able to do that for others. Whether that passion be science or performing arts, my goal as a teacher is to reach students and guide them on their way to becoming a productive member of society.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
I have had many memorable teaching experiences, both good and bad. The one that sticks out the most is when I was able to reach a student. During group work, this student was being very disruptive to himself and others: no work was getting done and I was about to lose my mind. I took the student aside and gave him a list of choices: either sit in the hall so as not to disrupt the rest of the class, or work independently since it seemed that group work was too much. He chose to work independently and because of this, he and the rest of the class were able to focus on the assignment and complete it. Giving students choices is always a great way to put the ball back in their court so they feel more responsible for their actions.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program has meant so much to me. I have been able to collaborate with fellow scholars to learn new teaching strategies as well as to share advice of my own. I have become friends with them and know that I can contact them in the future for any ideas they may have. The support of the program director has been tremendous, and the opportunities provided for professional development have been very useful. Also, I will graduate from college debt-free, which is a wonderful blessing. I will be able to begin saving and living my life from the very first paycheck.
