Noyce Scholar Profile
Cindy Beaman
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Elementary Education, Masters in Curriculum and Instruction
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Elementary mathematics instructions in grades K-5
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Master Teaching Fellow
Name of Noyce institution:
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Noyce Master Teaching Fellowship
Current academic or teaching status:
Elementary Mathematics Coach, 30 years total experience
School and school district:
Elementary Title I Schools, Grand Island Public Schools
Background:
I have worked 24 years as a classroom teacher in grades K-6, and six years as an elementary math coach for Grand Island Public Schools in Grand Island, Neb.
Why do you want to teach:
I love working with people, especially children. My mom was the elementary teacher that everyone loved and remembered, so she was an inspirational role model.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
Many years ago I had a combination classroom of fifth and sixth graders. While I worked with one group the other group needed to work independently. This was a time before cooperative groups and when working together was considered “cheating”. There were about six to eight sixth grade girls who liked to work their math problems and then “check and discuss” with each other. At first I wasn’t sure if I should let them, but when I saw how much their understanding of mathematics improved, I no longer felt guilty. When I think back to that year now, my class was experiencing “math talk” that we encourage today!
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
It is an honor to be associated with the Noyce program. I have worked with other master teachers that are equally deserving of this honor. I look forward to learning, growing, and promoting excellent mathematics education with others in the program.
