Noyce Scholar Profile
Scott Reilly
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Environmental Education
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Science, grades 9-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Fifth year or post-baccalaureate Noyce scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh ACT!
Current academic or teaching status:
First Semester of Certification Program
School and school district:
N/A
Background:
My background is in field biology and teaching environmental education and English as a Second Language. I served two years in Central America as a Peace Corps Volunteer and taught ESL in Honduras. Over the previous decade, my travels and work experiences have continuously returned to working with young people. The skills and experiences I have gained working with both the young and old have provided me incredible insight into my own abilities and drive me towards a career in teaching.
Why do you want to teach:
As a field biologist, I was struck by how my work could be done with the help of students to develop their skills and knowledge of what flora and fauna was present in their communities. I felt that if they were aware and understood the biological processes taking place around them and were a part of the research, they would be more apt to take an active role in their community’s natural resources. I loved to work with these young people and to help show them some of these wonders I worked with. This joy in sharing what I knew with youth persisted and led me towards teaching.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
As an ESL teacher in Honduras, I was working with 8 year olds. In one class I was sharing a National Geographic magazine with the students, one of whom I lent the magazine. After class, another student asked if I had another he could borrow. I told him I did not, but would lend it to him the next day. His response, in perfect English was “Dude this is so uncool!” This small event reinforces the influence we have in students’ lives as teachers!
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program will give me flexibility to take the classes I need when I can. It also provides a sense of financial security when I complete my student teaching in the future.
