Symone James
Nancy Larson Foundation Scholar
Elementary Education major Symone James awarded scholarship
West Haven, CT (Febrary 11, 2016) – University of Connecticut student Symone James has been named a Nancy Larson Foundation Scholar and awarded a $1000 scholarship in recognition of her inspiring personal narrative, excellent academic record and spirit of community service.
The Nancy Larson Foundation proudly supports students across the country majoring in elementary education by awarding scholarships to deserving students each year. James is one of nine recipients selected from the many applications received by the Foundation.
James noted, “As long as I can remember I have always wanted to teach. My earliest memories are from before kindergarten when my father taught me and my sister to read. After coming to America from Jamaica, my parents really supported and taught me the importance of education. Because of this early experience, I have realized how important it is for children to have a solid support system while they complete their own education. As an educator, I want to provide that support for my students and am committed to helping them reach their goals.”
Beyond her college classes, she also volunteers in her community. One of her most transformational educational experiences while in college has been her time with Husky Sport at the University of Connecticut. James said, “This has been a life changing experience because I have learned that when working with children, there are so many other factors beyond the classroom that affect their experience, perceptions and behavior in the classroom. This has changed my views of how I should teach.”
“Symone really impressed us with her personal narrative about her experiences as a young girl as well as volunteering in inner city programs,” said Nancy Larson. “She is a very passionate and compassionate person with a good understanding of all the elements that shape a classroom today.”
Juniors, seniors and graduate students who have declared an elementary education major are invited to submit a personal narrative about about why they want to teach, what personal experiences they have had that inspired them to teach and what will make them excellent teachers. Applicants are also asked to include community service activities and experiences they have had working with children.
Larson, a former teacher and curriculum director, has dedicated her life to advancing elementary education. Her original Saxon Math K–4 program was developed because teachers needed a classroom-tested math program that would prepare children for advanced math classes. In recent years, Larson has used the same approach to develop Nancy Larson Science for kindergarten through fourth-grade students. The program was written to provide in-depth science content in an easy-to-teach format.
To learn more about the Nancy Larson Foundation, visit http://nancylarsonfoundation.org.
About Nancy Larson Foundation
The Nancy Larson Foundation, founded in 2006 in Old Lyme, CT, has a history of awarding prospective elementary educators scholarships to encourage and support their education. The Nancy Larson Foundation awards scholarships to the top entries. For entry deadlines and requirements, or more information on the Foundation, visit http://nancylarsonfoundation.org.