Noyce Scholar Profile

Ally Shaw
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Life Science Education
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Life Science, grades 7-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
SEOCEMS Noyce Scholars Program at the University of Rio Grande
Current academic or teaching status:
Junior
School and school district:
Field experience at Buckeye Hills Career Center
Background:
While attending the University of Rio Grande, I feel that I have increased my knowledge vastly and developed the skills needed to become an effective teacher. The NOYCE Scholars program has much to do with the great education that I have gained. I have been able to communicate with the other Scholars and have been given great advice on how to teach effectively. Also while attending school, I have become an active member of the sorority Lambda Omicron Psi. This has made me into a well-rounded student, and I have learned a great deal from it.
Why do you want to teach:
I am looking forward to becoming a teacher to help students become successful members of society. As a teacher, I hope to instill a work ethic that will last long after the time spent in my classroom. I also want to pass along the great education that was given to me from my past teachers/instructors. I have a love for science and hope to help others to develop a love and understanding for science.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
My most memorable teaching experience so far is when my professor came to observe me teaching a lesson for the first time. I have gotten to be quite comfortable teaching my students, but this particular day, I was really nervous about my professor watching me. Before my professor had arrived, my students felt the need to tell me what I needed to do. They told me to just speak loudly, do what I always do, and most importantly, to calm down. I thought that it was quite humorous that my students were telling me how to teach. They all wanted me to get a good grade on my lesson, and they tried to help me do that in the best way that they could.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The NOYCE Program has been an incredible educational tool for me. Not only has it taken away the financial burdens of trying to pay for my education, it has also taught me a lot on how to be an effective teacher. Due to the fact that the scholars have an online blog, it has served as a great means of communication. The scholars talk about their experiences and offer advice to help each other with occurrences that may happen in the classroom. I have acquired knowledge on what to do in certain situations, how to manage a classroom, and how to be an effective teacher due to this program.