Noyce Scholar Profile

Savanna Williams
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Biology
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: 9th-12th grade science
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
University of South Carolina
Current academic or teaching status:
Junior
School and school district:
Airport High School
Background:
I am from Pelion, SC and have lived in South Carolina my whole life. I work at Tractor Supply and have been at the University of South Carolina for a little over a year now. I’m married and we have a dog named Mojo. I love sports and the outdoors and try to spend my free time outside as much as I can.
Why do you want to teach:
I’ve always wanted a job where I could help others and make a positive impact in peoples’ lives. I feel like teaching is a great way to do this.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
In the spring 2013 semester, I shadowed a teacher at Richland Northeast High School and really enjoyed the experience. I loved her teaching style and how she socialized with students and used everyday things to connect with what she was teaching. She was also the school’s track coach which was great because I used to run track and would love to coach it someday so I was able to talk to her about her experience with that as well as her teaching. It was all around just a great experience.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program has meant so much to me. It has shown me how much I look forward to becoming a teacher and has given me something to strive for. It has given me a support group to talk to and share the college experience with. It has also been great financial support.