Noyce Scholar Profile

Amy Maxwell
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Wildlife Biology
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Biology (6-12)
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Fifth year or post-baccalaureate Noyce scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
Kennesaw State University
Current academic or teaching status:
Finishing MAT Biology program summer 2013; Begin teaching Fall 2013
School and school district:
Peachtree Ridge High School; Gwinnett County, GA
Background:
I received my undergraduate degree in Wildlife Biology from the University of Georgia. I am finishing my MAT Biology degree at Kennesaw State University this summer. I will begin teaching AP Environmental Science and Anatomy & Physiology at Peachtree Ridge High School this fall.
Why do you want to teach:
I am teaching because I want to open my students’ eyes to the natural world around them and inspire them to learn more. I also hope to teach my students valuable problem-solving skills that are essential to science but also any field they may pursue.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
A memorable teaching moment for me would be the heart dissection I did with my Anatomy students during my student teaching experience. It stands out because I was able to see my students apply all the vocabulary and information they learned throughout the entire unit in that single activity. They really made me proud because they were applying everything we had discussed in class.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program has really helped me develop more as a teacher through the monthly meetings, as well as the conferences and events we take part in. Through Noyce, I have also valued the opportunity to meet and network with other scholars, professors, and master teachers, sharing stories and gaining valuable advice.