Noyce Scholar Profile
John Leaf
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Geology
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Earth and Space Science, grades 6-8
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Fifth year or post-baccalaureate Noyce scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
University of Minnesota
Current academic or teaching status:
New job teaching this fall
School and school district:
Student teaching at Richfield Senior High School; taught summer school at St. Paul Johnson High School
Background:
I graduated from Chisago Lakes Senior High School in 2005. My undergraduate degree is from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN (2009). During the school year of 2009-2010, I taught environmental education at Long Lake Conservation Center near Palisade, MN. I returned to school to obtain my teaching license at the University of Minnesota in June, 2010. I student taught at Murray Jr. High School in St. Paul, MN as well as Richfield Senior High School. In May 2011, I traveled to Thailand for one month to teach science and learn about the Thai education system through a University of Minnesota course. In June/July 2011, I taught summer school at St. Paul Johnson High School. This fall, I will be employed by International Middle School in Minneapolis, MN
Why do you want to teach:
I like to talk about science and like to work with young people. It’s a good match.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
I really enjoyed putting together successful labs during my student teaching at Richfield. It was rewarding to see students learning how to identify trees and bird watching and really engaged in the material.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
I look forward to giving back to my community and teaching in urban Minneapolis.
