Katie Spencer

Program

Secondary Education - Biology

Background

Experience tutoring for Axiom Educators in RPS; Substitute teaching in RPS; Preceptor for Genetics Lab at VCU; Camp counselor at Lake Anne Art Rave for Kids

Why do you want to teach?

I feel that teaching is one of the most effective ways to work towards equity, social justice, diversity in STEM, and scientific literacy. I love learning and sharing knowledge, and find working with others to be both a stimulating and rewarding experience.

Please tell us about a memorable teaching experience and why it stands out in your mind.

There have been many memorable teaching and learning experiences that have shaped and led to my desire to become a science teacher, so it's hard to narrow it down to just one. From the learning side, a VCU course, Footprints on the James, showed me the incredible value of real-world, hands-on experiences in regards to learning. It showed me just how much of an adventurous and interactive process teaching and learning has the potential to be, and it inspired me to become a teacher so that I can share those kinds of memorable experiences with others.

What has the Noyce program meant to you?

First and foremost, the Noyce Scholarship has helped make my goal of becoming a meaningful teacher financially attainable. With this support, I am able to have the energy and focus needed to excel in my teaching residency with the Richmond Teacher Residency program. I am also thankful for the Noyce focus on making science instruction differentiated, interactive, approachable and as meaningful as possible to my current and future students. In fact, there are approaches and ideas I am already applying in the classroom during my residency!