Noyce Scholar Profile
Neda Javidan
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Biology
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Science, grades 6-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Fifth year or post-baccalaureate Noyce scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
Arizona State University
Current academic or teaching status:
First year graduate student
School and school district:
Connolly Middle School, Tempe Elementary District
Background:
I moved to Arizona from Canada in 2006 to attend Arizona State University. I graduated in December 2010 with a B.S in Biology. I began graduate school in June 2011, and am currently working towards a Master’s in Secondary Education.
Why do you want to teach:
During my time as an undergraduate, I was hired for an Instructional Aide position Arizona State University Downtown Phoenix campus. I had the opportunity to teach undergraduate biology labs, and through this position I discovered how much I enjoyed teaching. In my senior year, I worked as a fundraising chair for an organization that worked closely with underserved communities. For many of the children in these communities, school was the only supportive environment, and I want to be a part of that support.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
The organization I volunteered for participated in a health awareness event at a local high school. Our job was to educate teens about safe health practices. Many of the students were apprehensive at first, but once I was able to reach them on their level, they opened up with questions and comments. It demonstrated to me how important it is to engage with students and create a comfortable environment.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
Being selected to receive this scholarship was a significant personal accomplishment. This is my first major academic scholarship, and it proved to me what I am capable of achieving. I hope to share this experience with my future students to inspire them to set big goals for themselves.
