Noyce Scholar Profile
Rebecca Grooms
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Biology
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Chemistry, grade 10, Pre-AP
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
University of Texas at Arlington
Current academic or teaching status:
2nd year of teaching
School and school district:
Irving High School, Irving ISD
Background:
I am from a small town in southeast Texas and have always loved learning and school in general. I left for college and really fell in love with science and the tools it provides us for understanding the world.
Why do you want to teach:
I teach because it is the best way I have found to combine my love for learning with my passion for young people. As a teacher, I get to interact with over one hundred young people each and every day, and I get great enjoyment from helping my students develop into more apt problem solvers and critical thinkers.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
One of my most memorable teaching experiences was while teaching summer school when a student told me, “Miss, I wish I had you as my teacher during the school year. I have learned a lot more with you and I like how you really listen to us.” This was memorable to me because I really believe teaching hinges on the relationship between student and teacher. It was nice to know that a student appreciated what I did for them.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program has meant that I have had a lot of support throughout my teaching career as well as during my time at university. Noyce has provided essential financial support, as well as professional development support as I continue to grow as a teacher and young professional.
