Noyce Scholar Profile
Colleen Robinson
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Biology
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Chemistry, Environmental 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:
15+ years of teaching high school
School and school district:
Helix Charter High School, La Mesa CA
Background:
I am a small town girl from the Northeast who loves living in a big city in the Southwest! I was introduced to SoCal through my undergraduate experience at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.
Why do you want to teach:
I want to make sure that ALL students have access to a quality education that allows them to live productive and fulfilling lives. Too many students fall through the so-called “cracks” and we (educators) have a moral obligation to change that fact.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
A former student came to visit me at the end of this school year. He is graduating with a degree in engineering this coming year. He came by to let me know both that he was grateful for my belief in him and sorry for being such a difficult student. He had worked below his ability level in my Chemistry class and felt that I “picked on” him too much. He was frustrated by our discussions that focused on his laziness and lack of focus across all of his academic courses. He ended up with a B- in the Chemistry class, but made a point to let me know (on the last day) that I was the “worst teacher” he had ever had and that he would “NEVER” do any kind of science ever again! As a teacher, I know it is not my job to be my students’ friend. Rather, I hope to inspire them and provide them with a piece of a quality education. Prior to his visit, I felt that I had not gotten through to this young man, and I was discouraged. Having him come back and thank me was both inspiring and humbling. I never know who I am getting through to and who I am missing…I just need to keep working at it!
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
We start our first week of Noyce work next week. I am looking forward to diving into the next five years!
