Noyce Scholar Profile
Blaire Volbers
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Education, Chemistry, and Spanish
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Chemistry, grades 7-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
Case Western Reserve University
Current academic or teaching status:
Junior
School and school district:
John Hay High School
Background:
I’m originally from Pittsburgh, PA, but currently studying in Cleveland at Case Western Reserve. I started off in Engineering at Case, but switched to Chemistry and Education and picked up Spanish along the way. I love the differences across the subject areas and the joint program Case has with John Carroll University in Education.
Why do you want to teach:
Education appealed to me immediately because of the opportunity to inspire inquiry and motivate students. Learning is an extremely important part of life, and I’m excited to be a part of shaping the education of students.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
There are many stories that all stand out individually, but my favorite part of teaching or tutoring is the moment when a concept clicks in a student’s mind. When you can see the understanding you have been working toward in the students’ eyes, it is very rewarding.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program has provided great opportunities to interact with all levels of educators. Hearing different perspectives from high school teachers and college professors is very beneficial. Also, I have been given many opportunities to gain experience interacting with students in a classroom setting.
