The Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program

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Colleen

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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!

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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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