NC STEP Profile: Becoming a STEM Teacher

[This post is the fifth in a series featuring the eight teacher interns in the 2012-13 cohort for NC STEP — the North Carolina STEM Teacher Education Program, an initiative of NC New Schools. These eight interns will complete the program this summer and are seeking teaching positions in North Carolina public schools for fall 2013.]

One day while surfing the web trying to find a good way to use my degree in biology, I came across the NC New Schools website. After reading the article about NC STEP, I realized I could become a teacher and leave my mark in the world, so I applied. I was so bored with being an administrative assistant, I just wanted something more hands and where I could make a difference.

Becoming a STEM teacher is my chance to make a change — both for me and for my students. I know that science, technology, engineerin, and math are what the world is evolved around today. It’s important that students are learning these main topics at top quality levels.

During the process of being a STEP intern I have had my ups and downs, but I learned how hard and serious it is to become a GREAT teacher. This program has prepared me for what needs to be done in the classroom so my students are ready for the world. I know now that it takes more than to just go in a classroom and tell students what they have to do today. I know now you have to connect, encourage, and engage your students to make them understand and want to learn. I love and now appreciate more what it means to truly be a teacher.