Noyce Scholar Profile
Kirsten Heller
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Biological Sciences
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Biology, grade 10
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Fifth year or post-baccalaureate Noyce scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
Arizona State University
Current academic or teaching status:
Masters of Education Student
School and school district:
Mesa Public Schools, Mesa High School
Background:
I was born and raised in Phoenix, AZ. I attended Arizona State University. I have always loved science and worked in a research lab in college as well as working as a night camp instructor at the Phoenix Zoo.
Why do you want to teach:
I want to teach because I did not have the best schooling experience myself and want to be able to give back more than I myself received through the public education system.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
One memorable experience was at my first teacher candidate position at a middle school. I was able to really connect with some of my students and at the end of my term there, I had students who really wanted me to stay. Although this is probably a common experience, it was the first time I realized I could really make an impact on someone in the classroom.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program has helped me to meet others who are in the same place as I am. This program has also allowed me to follow my dream of becoming an educator, something I didn’t think was possible before.
