Noyce Scholar Profile
Karalyn Schoepfer
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Adolescence Education: Biology
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: General Science and Biology, grades 7-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
SUNY Cortland Noyce Project
Current academic or teaching status:
Senior
School and school district:
Field Experience--Dewitt Middle School, Homer Jr. High, Thomas Corcoran High School; Lab Practicum Student--Intro Biology
Background:
I am a senior at SUNY Cortland, studying Adolescence Education: Biology. I grew up in a family of six, two brothers, one sister, and my parents. My whole childhood was dedicated to dance and soccer. I taught ballet from the age of 14-18, and loved every second of it. My teaching skills have carried on here at SUNY Cortland. I am the captain/coach/president and member of SUNY Cortland’s Kickline team. We dance at all sporting events on campus. I am very dedicated to my team, friends, and school work and am looking forward to student teaching next semester.
Why do you want to teach:
Ever since I taught ballet to young girls, I always loved to teach. Once I took biology in high school, I fell in love with the nature of science and the biological sciences. I had such an amazing AP Biology teacher in 12th grade. Since taking her class, I wanted to become a science teacher. I hope to have the same impact on my future students as Ms. Hollings had on me.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
Working as a Lab Practicum student in the fall of 2010 was a great experience. I was able to teach multiple labs, work one-on-one with college students, and expand my knowledge in introductory college biology material. I am very happy to have had this experience.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program has allowed me to go on a two-week trip to Belize in January 2011 as the laboratory aspect of my Marine Biology Course at SUNY Cortland. The funds provided by the Noyce program will allow me to further expand my biological knowledge of living organisms in marine environments. The experiences and memories of this trip will certainly increase my love for our “living environment” and will allow me to share this passion and my experience with my future students.
