Noyce Scholar Profile
Kristen Chapman
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Environmental Biology
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Science, K-6
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
University of La Verne
Current academic or teaching status:
Undergraduate Senior
School and school district:
SOAR Charter Acadamy
Background:
I began attending the University of La Verne in 2008 and am expecting to graduate in May of 2012. I decided to pursue a career in education my junior year of college because I have always loved working with children. I had felt that this was what I was supposed to be doing for quite some time, but was never able to go after it. My senior thesis is on effective teaching methods for science education and involves using a variety of teaching modes. I received the NSF scholarship my junior and senior year of college and I hope to be awarded it again in graduate school.
Why do you want to teach:
I think teaching would be an amazing way to continue to learn throughout life. I doubt that there would ever be a dull moment, and I think teaching will allow me to grow as a person for the rest of my life. I have always loved being and working with children; I do not know a better way to integrate my love for science and children than being able to teach them for the rest of my life.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
I did not connect with many teachers growing up. I enjoyed school, but I did not find it exciting. In high school, two of my chemistry and math teachers really went above and beyond in their teaching and really worked with me. They showed me a different side of science and planted the seeds that led to my interest in teaching.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program has had such a positive influence in my life. Financially, it has relieved a lot of stress from me and my family. Being a student, life can become very stressful, it is so nice not to have to worry about loans because of the generous scholarship. Noyce has also allowed me to attend workshops to better myself as a student, leader and future teacher. I have also been able to make connections through networking with other people involved in the Noyce program. I am positive that my experience with the Noyce program will only get better with graduation, graduate school, and my future career.
