Noyce Scholar Profile
Laura Dailey
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Biochemistry
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Biology, grades 9-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
University of Tennessee VolsTeach
Current academic or teaching status:
First year teacher
School and school district:
Internship at STEM Academy and working at West High School both in Knox County TN
Background:
I am from the Nashville area. Growing up, I loved being outside, playing music, and learning. As I went through my schooling, science was the main subject that drove me crazy. I had the hardest time understanding it, and my questions made me the most curious. When I got to high school, I finally had a teacher who made the subject come alive for me! It became my favorite part of my day, my favorite homework to do, and my favorite extracurricular activity. As I went into college at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, biology was the obvious major choice for me. A few years later, I discovered my passion for teaching the subject. I graduated college 1 year ago, got married to my best friend, and we now happily reside in Knoxville with jobs we love.
Why do you want to teach:
I want to teach for many reasons, but the main one is to have an impact on high schoolers. I strive to be a role model for my students and someone who truly believes in their ability to succeed! The other reason I want to teach is because I love the job. It involves creativity, organization, a passion for science, and being with people. It is an amazing career and calling to have; I wouldn’t trade it for anything!
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
My favorite memories so far involve my students being shocked by science. Many times, I will ask a driving question, my students will create a hypothesis, and we will conduct an experiment. To their surprise, they find themselves wrong in their assumptions and shocked at how science works. I love seeing this unfold and seeing my students actively engaged.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The support from the Noyce program has meant so much to me throughout my schooling and career. Words cannot express how much I appreciate the support. The program has propelled me into my career, with help to finance school and to set up my classroom.
