|
|
Robert Noyce Scholarship Program
Current Scholars
“Knowledge is power. Knowledge shared is power multiplied.” – Robert Noyce (1927-1990)
There is a growing need for well-prepared science and mathematics teachers — especially in America’s urban areas. Through the Robert Noyce Scholarship program, SPU aims to address this challenge by graduating competent teachers honed by rigorous learning and equipped to serve high-need students.
Who are these emerging teachers? What draws them to serve in this way? And how does the Noyce program help? Find out firsthand with monthly profiles of outstanding Noyce Scholars.
Meet Noyce Scholar Lonna Carrier
Name: Lonna Carrier
Grew up in: Bremerton, WA
Currently Pursuing: Master of Arts in Teaching
Pursuing Certification in: Secondary Education, Chemistry
Level of teaching: High school
What teacher or professor has been most influential in your life? I’ve been lucky enough to have a lot of really wonderful teachers and professors throughout my education. It is hard to pick just one. I guess the most influential teachers in my life were Pam Borromeo and Jeni Zapatka. They team taught my junior high humanities class. In their class, I learned a lot about writing essays and various important historical events, but I also learned how to think critically, how to look at things from different perspectives, and how to challenge myself.
Tell us a bit about your decision to pursue a career in science education? Up until my last quarter as an undergraduate student, I was pursuing a career in medicine. I loved math and science and I wanted my career to allow me to help people in really practical ways. Medicine seemed like the most natural path for that. Then, one day during my senior year, some high school science teachers came to one of my classes to discuss their experiences and the great need that our country has for qualified math and science teachers. For some reason, I was really affected by what they had to say. I spent the next few months shadowing teachers, tutoring high schoolers, praying, and talking to my professors, past teachers, friends, and family. I soon realized that my heart was much more into teaching than it had ever been in medicine.
Why Seattle Pacific University? I earned my bachelor’s degree from SPU so it was a very familiar and comfortable choice for me. I also had a few friends who had received education degrees from SPU and they all had wonderful things to say about the professors and the reputation of the program.
What has been your greatest challenge this past year? I think my greatest challenge this past year has been discovering who I am. I took a year off from school after I got my bachelor’s degree and all of the sudden, for the first time in my memory, I was no longer a student. Without realizing it, I had let my role as a student define a large part of who I was. I spent the past year doing things I had never done before and stretching my perception of myself. It was fun, weird, surprising, transformative, and, certainly, challenging.
What are you most excited to be offering to your students? I feel like my answer should be a great academic experience but, really, what I am most excited to offer my students is a positive role model and stable adult that they know truly cares about them.
Any experiences are you currently looking forward to in this coming year? This world of teaching is still pretty new to me so I’m really looking forward to learning more about education and what my role and philosophy is in the midst of it.
Anything you would say to someone considering applying for a Noyce scholarship? Do it! The Noyce Foundation doesn’t only help you with your tuition costs, but also provides Noyce scholars with resources for professional development and great opportunities to attend regional and national teaching conferences. It is well worth the time it takes to fill out the application.
View previously featured scholars |
