Noyce Scholar Profile

Ala Gebarin
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Biology
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Science, grades 6-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Master Teaching Fellow
Name of Noyce institution:
University of South Florida
Current academic or teaching status:
First-year teacher
School and school district:
Sligh Middle School, Hillsborough County, Florida
Background:
I graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in Biology and a passion for helping and serving others. I’m an active volunteer and have led student organizations. I’ve also lived all over the United States and have an interest in working with people and the community to make positive change.
Why do you want to teach:
I love science and humanitarian service; teaching is the perfect blend of the two.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
I love when I see a spark go off in a student, even if just for a brief moment. Teaching is very challenging and stressful, but those brief moments of success with students makes it all worthwhile.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce fellowship has granted me a unique opportunity to learn effective teaching practices from the best. Without this program, I would have never developed into the educator that I am and that I strive to be. It has completely changed my outlook on education and what students need, and I am so grateful for everything that I have learned. The information has been invaluable and the support unparalleled.