Noyce Scholar Profile
Rick Barlow
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Mathematics
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Mathematics, grades 6-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Fifth year or post-baccalaureate Noyce scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
University of California, Santa Cruz
Current academic or teaching status:
Currently enrolled in a combined Master's/Credential Program
School and school district:
Santa Cruz, CA
Background:
I am a returning student. I decided to major in math because it was the most difficult subject for me in high school. In fact, my poor performance in high school was one of the factors that kept me from going directly to college after high school. I am currently enrolled in the combined Master’s/Credential program at the University of California, Santa Cruz.
Why do you want to teach:
Although I am very interested in math and science, I am also very passionate about social justice issues. I think that teaching is the best way to combine these two interests–particularly in a subject like math where at-risk and under-served populations of students typically do not have access to an education that will adequately prepare them for college.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
I grew up in a small town in Illinois. Many of my teachers had never left the state. My 4th grade teacher, however, announced on the first day of class that she had traveled to all seven continents! I can still hear her saying those words, and I remember my fascination with her; she was a world traveler–something I had never even thought of. She was a major inspiration to me because she stood out as such a worldly, diverse individual.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
As a returning student, I am responsible for the cost of my education. This program will enable me to achieve my goal of teaching math to under-served populations.
