Noyce Scholar Profile
Michael Finnerty
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Secondary Education for Biological Sciences
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Biology, grades 9-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
Arizona State University/STARR Noyce
Current academic or teaching status:
Senior
School and school district:
3 Internships Arizona public schools
Background:
Born and raised in Arizona, I have been a part of the public education system since kindergarten. I am now pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education for Biological Sciences at Arizona State University. While I have traveled all over the country, I plan to stay in Arizona to help shape and redefine the infrastructure of our public education system.
Why do you want to teach:
I’m often asked why I want to teach, and to be honest, I believe that education is the primary mechanism society can utilize to improve political, social, economic, and humanitarian causes. The purpose of education is not to create good students, but do create novel thinkers. I know that I can help facilitate my students discoveries to shape them into novel thinkers.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
My most memorable teaching experience was during my internship at Powell Junior High. The students at this school had been without a steady classroom teacher for almost 6 months, and their substitute teacher was not familiar with science teaching. I helped the substitute design and implement lesson plans that had an emphasis on scientific thought processes, which helped the students learn the content more efficiently.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program has given me an incredible opportunity to immerse myself in the world of science education, as well as providing additional financial security while I finish my content classes and student teaching. Being a Noyce scholar means that I will have more assistance in becoming an outstanding teacher.
