Noyce Scholar Profile
Katherine Laymon
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Biomedical Engineering, Math Education
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Mathematics, grades 9-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Master Teaching Fellow
Name of Noyce institution:
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Current academic or teaching status:
Second year teaching
School and school district:
Turner High School, Wyandotte County Schools
Background:
I graduated in 2006 with a bachelor of science in biomedical engineering. From there, I worked for three years as a clinical engineer before deciding to switch careers. Before becoming a Noyce scholar, I substitute taught K-12 for a year.
Why do you want to teach:
I want to teach to make a difference in children’s lives and to join others as a catalyst to improve public education.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
The most memorable teaching experience occurred when a student said to me, “Look, Ms. Laymon! I did it. I finished this problem all by myself!” Instead of telling him he did a good job or praising him in some other manner, I shot back, “How does that make you feel?” And the grin on his face in response…was amazing. That young man was on his way towards becoming internally motivated to succeed, not to impress others, but purely to succeed. It was magical.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program enabled me to concentrate solely on becoming a better teacher. Whether through studying, interacting with students, forging friendships and professional relationships with other teachers, the Noyce program helped me in many ways. If not for it, I would not have been involved in Teach/Here at the University of Tennessee and for that, I’m grateful!
