Noyce Scholar Profile
Erin McCuin
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Biology
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Secondary (7-12), Biology
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Fifth year or post-baccalaureate Noyce scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
UVM
Current academic or teaching status:
UVM Graduate MAT Student
School and school district:
student teaching at Mt. Abe, ANESU
Background:
I am a native Vermonter and grew up with a single mother who has always worked in education. I was able to attend Smith College, in Northampton, MA. The opportunities I had during my college experience and after have guided me to the conclusion that teaching is what I want to do.
Why do you want to teach:
I want to teach because I want to make a difference in the lives of my future students. I want to help young people develop their identities and grow into healthy, happy, and productive adults.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
One memorable experience I had was when I working one-on-one with a student. We were talking about the role honeybees play in flower pollination, and he had quite a few misconceptions. He asked me to tell him if he was right, and when I explained it, he said, “Wow”, and that he would never forget that. Neither will I.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce Program has made pursuing higher education much more possible. Although I probably would have taken out loans if I hadn’t received the scholarship, having the scholarship puts me at more financial ease. Additionally, I feel that what I am pursuing is truly valued, and that what I want to do is indeed a noble career choice.
