Noyce Scholar Profile
Josh Bearman
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: B.S. Geology; M.S. Estuarine Geomorphology
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Life and Earth Science, grades 6-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Fifth year or post-baccalaureate Noyce scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
Virginia Commonwealth University /VCU Noyce Initiative
Current academic or teaching status:
1st Year Teacher
School and school district:
Lucille Brown Middle School, Richmond (VA) Public Schools
Background:
I grew up in rural Virginia and spent a lot of time camping and involved in the outdoor world. I studied geology with a focus on water and sediments both in undergraduate and graduate school. In between my two school experiences, I spent 5 years as a field educator for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, working in the Tangier Sound on Smith Island and later on the James River near Richmond, VA. This was my first experience with teaching – albeit somewhat informal. I enjoyed educating but grew tired of teaching much the same lesson every day, which eventually led to my departure in order to study the Estuarine Sciences. After finishing my Master’s thesis, I spent 5 years as a touring musician before joining the Richmond Teacher Residency program at Virginia Commonwealth and entering into the Richmond Public Schools.
Why do you want to teach:
I love the sciences, especially the boundaries between biology, geology, physics and chemistry. I also believe strongly that knowledge of science makes anyone a better person. I very much enjoy making this connection with students.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
I don’t have an answer yet for this question.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
An opportunity to brainstorm with other dedicated teachers who have great depth in content.
