Noyce Scholar Profile
Jessica White
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Biology, Secondary Education
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Biology, grades 9-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Master Teaching Fellow
Name of Noyce institution:
Virginia Commonwealth University
Current academic or teaching status:
Graduate Student
School and school district:
Armstrong High School, Richmond City
Background:
Born and raised in Baltimore, MD I always dreamed of helping people. I completed my Bachelors of Science in Biology at Morgan State University. After spending my freshman year of college at Hampton University, I fell in love with Virginia and knew I wanted to return. I did after completing my undergraduate degree and became a resident in the Richmond Teacher Residency program and a graduate student in the School of Education at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Why do you want to teach:
It wasn’t until senior year of my undergraduate program when I realized that to help someone you didn’t have to be a doctor. I believe the best way to help someone is to equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to reach their goals and pursue their dreams.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
My most memorable teaching moment was when I was observing another teacher’s class. A student got so frustrated with her work and stormed out of the class. I followed her into the hall because I knew that this student had made great progress thus far. I explained to her that her education was very important and that I had noticed the great improvement in her work ethic thus far in the school year. The student seemed consumed with her pride so that nothing I said could get her to walk back in the classroom and prevent her from being AWOL. In my mind that student and I had built a good relationship but when I could not get her to return to class I felt like I failed her. Next time the class was held, the same student came in with the biggest smile and most positive attitude and walked up to me and said “…I appreciate you coming after me, I really want to get my whole life together and I recognize that school is the first place to start to help me get off the streets.” I smiled and agreed with her, hoping she would understand that I was proud of her to come to this realization and reassuring her I would help her along the way. It was this moment that put into perspective the troubles our urban youth may face. Just when I thought I failed as a teacher because I didn’t see the results I expected right away, I had sown a seed in this student that helped her grow and gave her hope to change for the better.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program gives me the opportunity to help students in an urban environment recognize their potential and talents in science and apply their knowledge to their everyday lives.
