Rachel Gydesen
Nancy Larson Foundation Scholar
Duluth, MN (March 23, 2020) – University of Minnesota Duluth student Rachel Gydesen has been named a Nancy Larson Foundation Scholar and awarded a $1000 scholarship in recognition of her inspiring leadership, personal narrative, and academic achievement.
The Nancy Larson Foundation proudly supports students across the country majoring in elementary education by awarding scholarships to deserving students each year. Gydesen is one of eight recipients selected from the many applications received by the Foundation.
“I began teaching gymnastics for elementary age children while I was a junior in high school,” said Gydesen. “I enjoyed watching the young athletes set goals, work hard, and then attain that goal. Seeing a child achieve a skill that had been a struggle and knowing my coaching helped them was very rewarding. I knew then that children would be an important part of my life. I realized in college that my passion was in teaching young children, especially those who struggle with learning or are learning English as a second language.”
“Rachel shared she has a passion for teaching, compassion for children who struggle, and flexibility to adjust plans as the day progresses,” remarked Nancy Larson. “These qualities are exactly what we want for future teachers and the children in their classrooms.”
Juniors, seniors, and graduate students who have declared an elementary education major are invited to submit a personal narrative 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. Nancy Larson Science K–5 programs were developed because teachers needed a classroom-tested science program that would prepare children for upper-level science classes and careers in science. The program was written to provide in-depth science content in an easy-to-teach format.