Noyce Scholar Profile
Sean Walker
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Physics
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Physical Science, grades 8-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
Texas A&M University
Current academic or teaching status:
Senior
School and school district:
A&M Consolidated High School
Background:
When I took physics in high school, it was the hardest class I had ever taken up to that point. That is why I decided to major in it; I’ve always enjoyed an academic challenge. I love the problem solving aspect of physics and how it explains the world around us so completely. Initially, I was undecided about going to graduate school or becoming a teacher. My experiences as a high school physics tutor really pushed me in the direction of teaching.
Why do you want to teach:
I can’t wait to start teaching because I love the feeling you get when your students start getting interested and excited about what you’re teaching them. On a larger scale, our country has a great demand for more scientists and engineers and the desire to pursue a field in one of these areas begins in high school. I want to show high school students that math and physics don’t have to be boring or hard, and inspire them to want to pursue a career in a STEM field.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
After giving my first mini lesson presentation for my methods course, I was a little nervous about my performance. When I got back the feedback from my peers however, it was terrific! One of my classmates told me that he would definitely want me as his physics teacher! Just seeing those responses to a lesson that I had created gave me a little bit of the confidence that all starting teachers need, that I had made the right career choice.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program has helped to take a huge load of stress off with regards to paying my bills on time. As a student, one less thing to stress about just means I can devote that much more time and energy to my studies. On a deeper level, Noyce gives me professional development opportunities that few pre-service teachers ever get to experience and those opportunities are invaluable.
