Noyce Scholar Profile
Lindsay Guntner
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Secondary Science Education
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Biology, Chemistry/ Grades 9-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Master Teaching Fellow
Name of Noyce institution:
University Of South Florida/Robert Noyce STEM Scholar Fellowship
Current academic or teaching status:
1st Year Teacher
School and school district:
Wharton High School/Hillsborough County Public Schools District
Background:
I graduated from the University of South Florida with a B.S. in Biology, and concentrations in both Microbiology and Molecular Biology.
Why do you want to teach:
I always knew I would keep the sciences in my life since a very young age. Since high school, I was consistently involved with multiple honor societies and clubs which involved participating in many mentorships and tutoring sessions to other students. My desire to give back to the community first led me to consider a profession in veterinary medicine. I worked for almost three years as a veterinary assistant in both small animal and equine medicine and surgical facilities during my undergraduate studies mentoring under board-certified surgery specialists, emergency personnel as well as family practitioners who formed bonds with both their two-legged and four-legged clients; I truly felt part of multidisciplinary teams. At the same time, I volunteered with a nationwide non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and education of special needs animals where I worked with blind and/or deaf dogs and mentored owners in the challenges, yet abilities of adopting and owning such wonderful dogs. At the young age of 20, I was accepted to be on the board for the placement and education committee. I continue to serve on that board today. I have successfully handled and trained a completely blind and deaf dog to work as an active therapy dog which now visits larger hospitals in the greater Tampa Bay area and public/private schools on the east coast of the state. During these visits, we worked with children and adults of all ages. My volunteer work has made me a stronger person, and has continuously proven to be both rewarding and enjoyable, especially where I have had the opportunity to assume leadership and mentoring of others. My work has also allowed me to become a skilled team player which is one of the many qualities important in a teaching profession, and being part of a supportive academic community. Although the interpersonal interactions with fellow rescue representatives, members of county animal educational programs, owners, families, and other volunteers continued to inspire and intensify my passion for a veterinary career, I felt a deep calling to participate more fully in the teaching field as I knew I wanted to inspire and help others achieve what they are passionate about and hold close as dreams.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
During my practicum experience at a local middle school, I remember doing a fun demo to the 8th grade science class. A student who normally wanted nothing to do with the science class had gotten my attention and told me how boring science was until this class which I was privileged to be a part of alongside my mentor teacher.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program has provided me with invaluable experiences and knowledge regarding reformed-based practices in secondary science education. I knew what education meant to me, but finishing the program, I now know what educations MEANS to me. Walking into school the 1st day after pre-planning week was an emotional roller coaster for me; being a new teacher, starting a new career, away from the comforts of the university, my peers and professors and 150+ “little” eyes now starring at me with all the pressures of what good teaching really is. My professors who have taught me are truly among the best in my opinion and I feel so fortunate to have been a part of USF’s program.
