Noyce Scholar Profile
Tori Spinoso
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Biology
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: 6-12 General Science
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Fifth year or post-baccalaureate Noyce scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
Act2Teach -University of WI, Oshkosh
Current academic or teaching status:
MS-Conservation
School and school district:
Madison, WI
Background:
Since graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, I have worked as a zoo keeper. After my first child was born, I left the field to stay at home. During this time /I received my Master’s degree in Zoo and Aquarium Leadership with a concentration in Conservation Education.
Why do you want to teach:
After working
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
I have no formal education experience but quite a lot of informal work. One experience that I will always remember is when I was feeding the zoo’s seals. I often times left the door open so visitors could see what I was doing. I saw a little boy watching closely so I invited him in to help me. His eyes lit up and I had him. His attention was mine and I used this time to teach him about seals and ocean conservation.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
Without this scholarship I never would have had the opportunity to go back for my certificate. II thank you so very much!
