Noyce Scholar Profile

Brandon Harrington
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Biology
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Middle school Life/Physical Science
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
California State University Stanislaus
Current academic or teaching status:
Senior
School and school district:
Himap Tutor Stanislaus County
Background:
Born in Fremont California, my Family moved to Modesto right before entering the 7th grade. Starting a new school made Junior high difficult and that is one of the main reasons I want to teach middle school, to help struggling students like myself. In High school I was part of the Wrestling team, and the speech and debate team where I met my closest of friends. After graduating from High school I attended Modesto junior college where I fell in love with ballroom dancing. After that I transferred to California State University Stanislaus and it was here that the Noyce program was introduced to me.
Why do you want to teach:
I want to impact the hearts and minds of youth in a positive way, and inspire them to dream big.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
My most memorable teaching experience was actually when I was a student. My first semester in high school biology I received a D+ in the class. The teacher took me aside and encourage me, and told me he knew I could do better. The following semester I got a B+ in the class having the 7th highest grade. IN my year book he wrote “you see what you can do when you put your mind to it, your a great student” and it was then I know I wanted to be a teacher and effect kids in the same way.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce Program to me has opened doors I would never have expected to walk through. Through the program helping fund my education i have been able to work less and focus on school more. Furthermore all the professional development I have received has helped me become a better teacher before I have even starting teaching in my own class room.