Noyce Scholar Profile
Chris Potts
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Molecular Cellular and Developmental Biology
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Biology, grades 9-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Fifth year or post-baccalaureate Noyce scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
Arizona State University/STARR Noyce Scholarship Program
Current academic or teaching status:
TEAMS Graduate Program
School and school district:
Kino Jr. High, Mesa District, Arizona
Background:
I went to elementary and secondary school in Colorado as well as college at the University of Colorado, Boulder, where I majored in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology. Right after college, I began the TEAMS program at Arizona State.
Why do you want to teach:
It has been my aspiration to teach high school Biology since my freshman year of high school when my biology teacher changed my life. He instilled in me not only a love of science, but to be a caring and respectful person and to truly enjoy life. I know it may sound cheesy, but if I can do what he did for me to just one student, I will have made this world a better place.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
The moment I knew I wanted to be a teacher for sure was actually not related to Biology, it was in music. I assisted in a band camp for eighth graders when I was a senior in high school. I spent the entire day teaching these little drummers as much as I could. Although it was a complete joy throughout the day, at the end of the day there was a performance that was simply incredible. Sitting in the audience and watching as my eighth graders performed using the skills that I had worked so hard to teach them was a life changing experience, because it solidified my dream to become a teacher.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
Considering I want to teach both because I love teaching and that it affords me the opportunity to have a truly positive influence on many people’s lives, Noyce has been a no-brainer. It is a real honor and a great opportunity which I am extremely grateful to have.
