Noyce Scholar Profile

Casey Bond
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Biology
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Biology, grades 9-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Fifth year or post-baccalaureate Noyce scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
University of Missouri SMAR2T Program
Current academic or teaching status:
First-Year Graduate Student
School and school district:
Internship (Fall 2011), Rock Bridge High School, Columbia Public Schools
Background:
I graduated from Truman State University with my Bachelor’s of Science in Biology. I have some experience working at a camp and have informally tutored my peers during college.
Why do you want to teach:
I want to teach because I believe everyone should have a basic knowledge of science in order to function in everyday society. I am very enthusiastic about my content area, and I think that it is applicable to day-to-day life. I do not expect all of my students to enjoy science, but I hope to get them thinking like scientists so that they can be skeptical about the world around them.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
I have a memorable teaching experience that occurred during my fieldwork this summer. There was a little boy who did not seem to be paying attention to anything that was going on in the classroom. The teacher then asked the class a question, and he raised his hand and answered the question with a very detailed explanation. I thought that this little boy had been ignoring everything that was happening, but he surprised me.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program has been important to me because it has ultimately allowed me to attend my program. I am excited about fulfilling my part of the program by working in a high needs district, because it is a chance for me to give back in a way. The Noyce program has also provided me with networking opportunities.