Noyce Scholar Profile
Grisel Cordero
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Biology
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: General Science, Middle School and High School
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
Lehman College/ Robert Noyce Scholarship Program for Math and Science Teachers
Current academic or teaching status:
Lehman College Senior
School and school district:
Intern at MS 45, Thomas C. Giordano Middle School
Background:
Born and raised in the Dominican Republic until the age of ten. Began my journey in the NY, United States, in January of 1997. My Middle school and High school years were spent at a public school located an hour upstate from NYC. Transferred to Lehman College in January of 09’ and majored in Biology with a minor in Education.
Why do you want to teach:
As a first-generation student, it has been a privilege to achieve both a high school and college education. I have learned how valuable an education is for my future and now I would like to share my motivation and talents with others.
My own curiosity towards science may encourage students to develop their curiosity towards the natural world around them. Teachers of biology, chemistry and physics, open doors for discovery. Students who succeed in their science courses and that can grasp scientific principles have a bright future ahead of them. Though challenging at times, understanding the fundamentals can produce achievements and advancement.
This is really why I want to be a teacher, so that I can help other young people fulfill their dreams. I have known that I wanted to be a teacher since my years in high school. Now that I am in college, I realize the importance of education in today’s world and the major influence a teacher can have in guiding students to academic success.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
A memorable teaching experience took place during an after school program that I taught a couple of years ago. I taught Spanish to elementary students. It was because I was on my own, teaching about eight students, that I truly felt as if I was a teacher. It was a feeling that I never felt before because it just reinforced the idea that I really want to be an educator. I even made mini lesson plans about a topic that I would be teaching the following week. It was sincerely a great experience!
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program has meant a lot to me. It has given the opportunity for me to grow by providing me with the tools and knowledge that will enable me to succeed in my career as an educator. Thanks to the Noyce program I can actually say that I have people who have my back, and are willing to guide me in the correct pathway towards my goal.
