Noyce Scholar Profile
Daniel Schaner
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Geology
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Science, grades 6-8
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Fifth year or post-baccalaureate Noyce scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
California State University Stanislaus
Current academic or teaching status:
Credential Student
School and school district:
Turlock Jr. High School / Turlock Unified
Background:
I grew up in a small mountain town in the Sierras called Arnold. My favorite summer hobbies consist of camping, hiking, climbing, and most water activities. In winter it’s all about the skiing. I started at Junior College when I was 17. This lead to a great opportunity when I was hired at a lucrative San Francisco-based firm that sent me all over the world. I worked there for 5 years before quitting and going back to school. For my work travel they sent me to many countries including Chile, Canada, Oman, Papua New Guinea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, South Korea, Spain, France, Mexico, and others. I believe going to all these places has given me a well-rounded perspective and appreciation for life.
Why do you want to teach:
I was inspired to become a teacher by my middle school instructors. I was fortunate enough to have had some really amazing teachers in those years. The teachers were of a high enough quality that for the first time since kindergarten, school was fun again. That was a pretty big deal to me.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
My most memorable teaching experience so far was while I was a ski instructor. I took a lesson with a child with autism that nobody else wanted. I think the parents had done a good job of scaring away other instructors. This child not only excelled at learning skiing but got really excited about it. He was thrilled by the sport, and his parents were delighted that it was such a positive experience. It felt good to make a positive impact in someone’s life.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program has given me the financial opportunity to pursue my degree and teaching credentials. Equally important, it has provided me with a professional learning community with whom I can network and gain an edge in education.
