Noyce Scholar Profile

Kayla Schinke
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Biological Sciences - Secondary Teaching
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Biology/Sciences - High School
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
University of Northern Colorado
Current academic or teaching status:
Senior year at UNC
School and school district:
I have two semesters left at UNC.
Background:
I graduated this past May with a degree in Athletic Training. I will complete my Biological Sciences – Secondary Teaching degree this upcoming May and then work in a high school. I have attended UNC since 2009 and am grateful for all of the opportunities that I have had. I was a Noyce intern in the summer of 2011 and became a Noyce scholar in the fall of 2012.
Why do you want to teach:
I want to teach and work with young adults so that I can show them how wonderful the field of science is. I hope to inspire students to want to learn and not only become more knowledgeable, but also great people.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
I spent a semester in a science classroom at a local high school where I was given an opportunity to work one-on-one with a student. I was able to spend one hour a week for sixteen weeks with this student. Not only did his grade in the class improve but his confidence improved as well. I am sure that after the sixteen weeks, I learned more from him than he learned from me.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
As a Noyce intern and Noyce scholar, I have been given many opportunities to learn and grow as a future educator. The Noyce program has provided me with ways in which to improve my strengths and work on my weaknesses as well. I look forward to my future career as a Noyce educator.