Noyce Scholar Profile
Jennifer Kislow
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Microbiology
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Chemistry, Biology, and Earth Science, grades 6-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Fifth year or post-baccalaureate Noyce scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, act! program
Current academic or teaching status:
Currently not employed in a school district
School and school district:
Currently not employed in a school district
Background:
I attended college at the University of Wisconsin LaCrosse where I obtained a bachelor’s degree in Microbiology. After college, I worked at the Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation for approximately 8 years where I worked in research labs in human genetics, clinical diagnostic testing, and infectious disease/medical microbiology. Once I enrolled in the act! program, I left the Marshfield Clinic and started to pursue my goal of a teaching license in science-secondary education.
Why do you want to teach:
I want to teach because I want to help other students learn and appreciate the world of science. I’m hoping that my previous education/work experiences can provide them new ideas and opportunities to try in their futures. By sharing knowledge, we can help others think and become the best they can be.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
A memorable teaching experience that stands out in my mind is when I was given an opportunity to be long-term substitute teacher for a fifth-grade classroom. I taught for one semester. This opportunity allowed me to realize what it was like being in front of a classroom and being responsible for my students’ learning. It provided me with experience in lesson planning, classroom management, parent/teacher relationships, just to name a few. Overall, this opportunity confirmed my decision of becoming a teacher. I truly enjoyed every aspect of being a teacher and knew I had made a good decision to leave research and work in education.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program provided the financial means to go back to school and obtain the education and training required to receive a teaching license. Without the program, it would have been difficult to go back to school, especially leaving a full-time job. This program provided support not only for me, but for my family as well. I am truly thankful to be given this opportunity. It means so much to me!
