Noyce Scholar Profile
Lauren Murphy
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Biology/Secondary Education
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Science 7th
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
University of North Texas
Current academic or teaching status:
2
School and school district:
Lady Bird Johnson Middle School, Irving ISD
Background:
I studied Biology as an undergraduate hoping to either go to vet school or become a Biology teacher. After working in vet clinics for several years I decided I wanted something more rewarding and continued my graduate education in secondary education with an emphasis on GT education. I was assigned to 7th grade science during my student teaching and fell in love with middle schoolers. I have been teaching 6th grade science in Irving ISD for 2 years and this year I will be moving to our brand new “net-zero” middle school to teach 7th grade science and 6th grade GT science.
Why do you want to teach:
I have always been fascinated by science and discovering the world and I want to ignite that curiosity and fascination in others.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
The beginning of my second year teaching truly made me realize my purpose and love of teaching. When my previous students came back and showed me how much I had touched their lives I felt validated and renewed. I look forward to many more years of updates and encouraging stories.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
I was proud to be the recipient of the Noyce scholarship. It helped me concentrate on school during my last year and also opened up new opportunities for me as an education student.