Noyce Scholar Profile
Tamara Arnold
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Biology/Secondary Education
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Biology, grades 6-9
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
University of Northern Colorado
Current academic or teaching status:
Senior
School and school district:
Fort Lupton High School, Weld County School District Re-6
Background:
Originally from Ohio, my son and I moved to Colorado in order for me to finish school and to be closer to my family. I have always loved science and have constantly found myself in teaching situations. It seemed natural to work towards becoming a science teacher. I am currently engaged and will be married in summer 2012. I have a seven-year-old son, and will soon be adopting my seven-year-old step-daughter.
Why do you want to teach:
As I mentioned before, I have always found myself in teaching positions. From showing my son how to tie his shoes to explaining math/science concepts to my sisters and cousins in high school, teaching has always come naturally to me. When considering what career I wanted to pursue, teaching science seemed like the right choice.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
During my teaching program at the University of Northern Colorado, I was required to observe/assist in both middle school and high school settings. In the seventh grade classroom where I observed, there were several boys who never focused on their work, yet the teacher didn’t put in the effort to get the boys to care. However, each day that I was there, I got those students to do a little more. Going from not picking up a pencil to take notes when I first started observing, to completing entire assignments at the end of the semester, those students progressed a great deal. This was my most memorable teaching experience to date. One of these rambunctious students asked if I’d be teaching at this particular school the following year. When my response was in the negative, he started to beg me. He claimed that he understood the content when I taught the material, but when his current teacher explained it, he was lost. It was a huge moment for me.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program has meant a great deal. Besides the financial backing (which is extremely helpful for a single mother), I have found an immense amount of support and leadership from my advisors, as well as my fellow Noyce scholars. My cohort was the first for the University of Northern Colorado. I have enjoyed seeing how the program has grown and modified itself based on the needs of its participants and advisors.
