Noyce Scholar Profile
Samantha Espolt
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Biology
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: High School science
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
Robert Noyce Scholarship
Current academic or teaching status:
5th year at CSULB
School and school district:
Jordan High School LBUSD
Background:
After graduating from high school in La Verne, CA; I moved to Long Beach to attend CSULB. At this point I had no idea what I wanted to do, but I knew I loved science so I dove into that. I started to pursue a degree in Biology, and decided to apply to the single subject credential program. During my 5 years at CSULB, I was fortunate enough to get some great opportunities. I was a teacher at the Young Scientist Camp for 3 summers, I went to a 2 week NASA workshop in Fresno, and the Forestry Institute for Teachers. Experiences like these have gotten me so excited about teaching as well as providing me a good set of materials to start building my curriculum from.
Why do you want to teach:
I feel that teaching will be a very rewarding job for me because I really enjoy sharing my passion for biology, and other science disciplines. Someone once told me that the key to being a good teacher is having a passion for the subject and sharing that passion with your students. I am also drawn to teaching because it is always evolving and there is never a dull moment.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
In high school I spent six months volunteering at an after school program for autistic children. During this time I was able to get to know some very special children. One kid was always very skittish about doing the most simple things. I made a point to work with him on this by trying to focus his attention on the small steps instead of the whole thing. For example, when doing hopscotch, focus on 1 jump at a time instead of getting to the end. The group went on a field trip indoor rock climbing. This child was actually excited to try. After about an hour and some coaching, he found his way to the top. At this moment, I realized how much influence I could have on a person. As I turned around to see his mom shedding a tear, but so happy, I realized how much this influence could mean to someone.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program has been a great source of inspiration as well as a place for support and collaboration. Through Noyce I have been to some wonderful workshops and seminars, including the biweekly ones we have on campus. Through these experiences I have met some very inspirational people whom I am able to keep in touch with and share my experiences with. I look forward to going to more workshops and meeting other Noyce scholars as we have a great deal to learn from each other.
