Noyce Scholar Profile
Karen Thomas
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Biology
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Science 7-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Teaching Fellow
Name of Noyce institution:
Duke MAT
Current academic or teaching status:
3rd year teacher
School and school district:
Northern HS, Durham, NC , Southern School of Engineering, Durham, NC, Wattburg Middle School, PA
Background:
My background is interesting to say the least. I went to college at the University of Pittsburgh for a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. Afterwards, I got my Master’s in Biology at the University at Buffalo. It was there, while working as a teaching assistant, I re-discovered my love of teaching. I decided to pursue a Master of Arts with a concentration in science education at Duke University. I taught in Durham Public Schools, NC for two years. I currently teach 7th grade life science at Wattburg Middle School, PA.
Why do you want to teach:
I want to teach to help students clarify misconceptions in science. I also teach to try to positively impact the future and to ensure students get an important, correct, science curriculum.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
I had a group of standard biology students in my first year of teaching. Most of them were minorities and from a poor neighborhood. They grouped together to get me a card and a $5 gift card. When they gave it to me they thanked me for caring and being there for them. It wasn’t about the money, but about the fact they realized how much I cared and worked for them. I’ll never forget them, and have never spent my gift card. I keep it as a reminder of what they can do and what kids realize when you teach them.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
NOYCE gave me the financial opportunity to be able to switch my career. Without the financial support it would have been much more difficult. This ability was invaluable, and I appreciate it.
