Funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation, ̽̽'s Robert Noyce Scholarship Program addresses the shortage of highly qualified science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and computer science educators in high need schools.
The generous scholarship opportunity is available to graduate students accepted into the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Secondary Education Program.
Meet our 2024-2025 cohort of Noyce Scholars and find out what inspires them to share their passion and expertise with the next generation.
Megan Petrine
Megan grew up surrounded by farmlands and access to trails of the State Game Lands in Central Pennsylvania. Those experiences fostered a love of nature, and the desire to protect it.
After earning a degree in Environmental Sciences at ̽̽ and being inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, they worked a wide range of jobs while searching for careers combining environmental stewardship with the desire to help others and inspire social change in the community.
Through volunteering at Outright Vermont, Megan learned how incredible it is to work with teenagers. Reflecting on that experience and the joy of being a lab teaching assistant in college, Megan applied to ̽̽’s MAT program.
In their internship is at U-32 High School in East Montpelier, Megan teaches Earth Science and Chemistry courses. They hope to spark a passion for environmental stewardship in students while making science fun and defying traditional stereotypes of what it means to be a scientist.
Kameron Cummings
"For as long as I can remember, I had an interest in science and was excited to pursue a STEM degree after high school," Kameron recalls.
“As a biology major, I was fascinated by cells, genetics, and ecology. I began to realize my passion for teaching after my experience as an undergraduate peer mentor for a group of students investigating inquiries in the field of Molecular and Biomedical Anthropology. Through this work, I experienced the joy that comes from teaching and supporting students. I also spent time as a teaching assistant for Genetics and Organic Chemistry classes."
Through the MAT internship at Harwood Union High School, Kameron teaches Integrated Science, Biology, and AP Biology.
“As a future science educator, I want to increase interest in STEM for all students in the classroom, but especially for students with historically underrepresented voices.”
Ray Wells
Ray graduated from ̽̽ in 2024 with degree in Chemistry before pursing the MAT.
“So far, it has been one of the most rewarding and joyful experiences,” says Ray about the internship experience at U-32. “My mentor teacher and I have three sections of Advanced Chemistry and one section of AP Chemistry. My students are kind, smart, and very funny. Over the course of the past semester, I have taken on more and more responsibility in my classroom, leading labs, writing assessments, and providing my students with the support they need."
Ray enjoyed spending time with the Noyce cohort at the Northeast Noyce Conference in Boston recently. “We connected with so many educators and learned how to bring STEM to life in our classrooms. Noyce has brought me so many opportunities, given me a community, and provided the support that I need to become an educator and inspire future generations of scientists."
Margaret Rothert
“Science class was always my favorite growing up,” Margaret recalls. “When I started college at the University of Oregon, I intended to pursue a MAT to teach science. But by the time I graduated with a degree in Biochemistry in 2014, I was ready for something a little different. I took my love of science and found all the ways I could share that passion outside of a classroom.”
Working mostly in environmental science education, Margaret's seasonal schedule allowed time for exploration and travel – "including a few summers spent on a farm in the Northeast Kingdom where I fell in love with Vermont."
Eventually it was time to pursue the MAT and make the move from Portland, Oregon for the next big adventure at ̽̽. Through an internship at South Burlington High School, Margaret teaches Chemistry and Biology for the Medical Professions.
Master of Arts in Teaching Licensure Pathways at ̽̽
̽̽'s nationally accredited Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) provides an opportunity to earn a master's degree and endorsement for teaching licensure within one year. An Accelerated Master's Pathway (AMP) is available for qualified ̽̽ students. Licensure options are based on a student's previous education/degree. The MAT offers licensure tracks in Middle Level Education (grades 5-9) or Secondary Education (grades 7-12). Both pathways offer tuition scholarships and full-year teaching internships supported by nationally recognized faculty and local professionals.
