Noyce Scholar Profile
Kevin Cameron
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Biology / Chemistry
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: High School-Biology / Chemistry
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Teaching Fellow
Name of Noyce institution:
Kennesaw State University
Current academic or teaching status:
First Year Teacher
School and school district:
Peachtree Ridge HS - Gwinnett County
Background:
After school I worked for 12 years in the computer industry as a Systems Analyst for a mainframe software company. Working as a liaison between my firm and the client was the beginning of my “teaching” career. After my wife and I started a family, we decided for me to stay home to raise our children. It was at that time I decided to get a biology degree in anticipation of teaching someday. Now after 14 years of staying home, I am ready to start my new career as a science teacher.
Why do you want to teach:
Ever since I was a child, I always have loved science. It is both my passion and my hobby. As an escape and a way to recharge my batteries, I spend time in parks and preserves looking at birds. Although my path to becoming a science teacher has not been direct, I am at a point in my life where I am ready to embark upon a new challenge and enter my second career as a teacher.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
During a lab in chemistry I was working with a student who was struggling and he said, “Mr. Cameron, you are way too excited about chemistry.” Although probably not given as one, I took this as a huge compliment. I believe that you have to love what you teach to be an effective teacher. I truly love science.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
I believe that it is important for teachers to adopt teaching as a career, not just a job. The Noyce program has allowed me to meet and interact with like-minded science teachers. We share ideas, critique each other, and provide a sounding board for our thoughts about teaching. My hope is that I am as helpful to all the other Noyce Fellows as they have been to me.
