Noyce Scholar Profile
Natalie Barbian
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Master of Arts in Teaching
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Mathematics and French, grades 9-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Fifth year or post-baccalaureate Noyce scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
University of Louisville
Current academic or teaching status:
Graduate Student
School and school district:
Jefferson County Public Schools
Background:
I started out in Engineering School and realized that it wasn’t for me. I needed a career where I got the opportunity to work with people. I earned a bachelor’s degree in both French and Humanities. By this time, I decided that I wanted to become a teacher. My passion for Math had not waned so I decided to get a Bachelor’s in Math, as well. I am currently working on my Master of Arts in Teaching to be certified to teach both Secondary Math and French.
Why do you want to teach:
I want to teach because I want students to get excited about learning. If I had the opportunity, I would continue learning my whole life. That is one reason I chose teaching. I never want to stop learning. I want to learn as much from my students as they learn from me.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
I haven’t actually started teaching yet, but my most memorable experience with a student is when she came to her social studies class (which I was observing) and started speaking French with me. She had just come from her French class and was trying to practice her French. What she did not know is that I spoke French as well. The look on her face when I spoke back to her in French was unforgettable. She got this big grin on her face and looked completely inspired. I want to inspire all the students I meet and make them see how learning can be fun.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce Program has allowed me to see the leader that I can become. In Louisville, the Noyce Program has partnered with an organization called Teach Kentucky. As Noyce Scholars, we have been a part of welcoming the participants of the Teach Kentucky program to Louisville. This program invites aspiring college students from around the country to become teachers in Louisville, Kentucky. To be able to welcome them to the city of Louisville and create lasting friendships with students who have the same goal as you has been highly beneficial. The Noyce Program has helped me to make my goals and dreams into a reality.
