The Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program

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Matt

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Noyce Scholar Profile

Matt Nolen

Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: B.S. Forestry, Resource Management

Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Science, grades 6-12

Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Fifth year or post-baccalaureate Noyce scholar

Name of Noyce institution:
University of Northern Colorado

Current academic or teaching status:
Graduate Student

School and school district:
Niowt High School

Background:

While earning my undergraduate degree in forestry, I worked at a summer camp and had the opportunity to lead groups for week-long camp sessions. Later I also facilitated high adventure activities for the same organization. After relocating to Colorado, I remained in the outdoor education field by coaching alpine skiing in the winter and kayaking in the summer. During this time, I received support and encouragement to work towards earning a license to teach science.

Why do you want to teach:

I want to teach so that my students will have a greater appreciation and understanding of the relationship between the various fields in the sciences. I also hope to instill in my students a sense of stewardship for the environment and provide them with the knowledge to begin making smart environmental choices for themselves and for those who will follow them.

Describe a memorable teaching experience:

Currently my most memorable teaching moments are from coaching children’s whitewater kayaking. One that stands out the most was when a student who had been very nervous and hesitant to paddle moving water made the choice to accept the risk and go for it. She had a blast and was very proud of herself. This moment stands out for me because I helped empower a young person to make the choice to accept the challenge and do something they did not think was possible for themselves. I hope to create moments like these in my classroom.

What does the Noyce program mean to you:

The Noyce program has enabled me to make the change in careers from environmental education and forestry to becoming a “classroom” teacher with little financial hardship and for this I an very grateful. Without it, I do not feel that this change would have been financially possible for me, and for that I am very thankful. I am looking forward to taking advantage of the conferences and other areas of support that the Noyce program has to offer.

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This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) under Grant Numbers DUE-2041597 and DUE-1548986. Any opinions, findings, interpretations, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of its authors and do not represent the views of the AAAS Board of Directors, the Council of AAAS, AAAS’ membership or the National Science Foundation.

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