Matt Kortan

W&M 2024

Focus of Study: Secondary Science Education
Teaching Focus: Earth Science

Background

I recently graduated from William and Mary (2022) with a B.S. in Geology. I developed a passion for earth science after coming to William and Mary from northern Illinois and experiencing the vast array of landscapes in Virginia. I currently work full time as an 8th grade science teacher at New Kent Middle School. It is my first year of teaching experience, although I have subbed in the past. My hobbies are snowboarding and rock climbing.

Why do you want to teach?

School is where I cultivated my sense of identity, built relationships, and engaged with my passions. I want to help kids who are feeling lost to explore ideas that might resonate with them.

A Memorable Experience

Taking a field course at Big Bend National Park in Texas with William and Mary in 2022.

What has the Noyce Program meant to you?

A pool of resources that I can draw upon to help me decide what type of teacher I want to be. Noyce has introduced me to new evidence-backed ideas about how to structure lessons, manage my classroom, and meet the individual needs of students.