Noyce Scholar Profile
Shawna Payton
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Biology, Ecology
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Earth Science, Biology, grades 9-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Master Teaching Fellow
Name of Noyce institution:
San Diego State University
Current academic or teaching status:
10 years teaching, Science Department Head
School and school district:
Construction Tech Academy, San Diego Unified School District
Background:
I worked for 10 years in the field of childcare. I went back to school when my daughter started kindergarten and earned a degree in biology. During my college career, I worked as a science fellow with the PISCES program at San Diego State University. It was with this program that I discovered my love of teaching.
Why do you want to teach:
I enjoy working with students and helping them to see their full potential and become life long learners.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
In my biology class one year I had a wonderful young woman with Down’s Syndrome and another young man with Autism. These two students were amazing, curious people who brought a lot of joy and fun to my classroom. One day they were participating in a jeopardy game with other seniors at our high school. They both got the correct answer to a DNA question before any other student could even buzz-in. They were so proud of themselves, and I felt such joy in their growth.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
I have just begun the program. So far, I have really enjoyed the collaboration time with other professional educators. I also enjoy the time to analyze and discuss instructional strategies.
