Noyce Scholar Profile
Makala Woods
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Chemistry
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Science, grades 6-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
University of Northern Colorado
Current academic or teaching status:
I am a Junior.
School and school district:
This semester my practicum will be at Greeley Central High School in Greeley, Colorado.
Background:
I am originally from Honolulu, Hawaii but moved to Colorado in 1995. I am currently attending the University of Northern Colorado as a Chemistry major and am planning on acquiring a minor in Biology. I love the outdoors, basketball, and track and field. I do want to coach once I start my teaching career.
Why do you want to teach:
I had a teacher who changed my entire outlook on life and my future, and I want to do the same for my students. I want to make a positive impact on high needs students lives. Chemistry is not the easiest subject to understand and by encouraging my students that they can pass the class, they can also succeed in life if they work hard enough.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
In my sophomore year, I was placed in a 7th grade Life Science class that was always rowdy, and the teacher had a hard time obtaining their attention. Out of frustration she sarcastically stated, “AH, I just love my job.” Right then and there, I understood why the students did not respect her because she drops hints that she does not care and does not want to be in that class with them. Although this is not the happiest memorable experience, it did teach me that no matter how difficult the situation, I always have to illustrate to my students that I care, respect, and believe in them; in result, they will respect me too.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program means the world to me. The program is making it easier for me to obtain my dreams and also instructing me to be a better educator in a high needs school. I am so thankful.
