Noyce Scholar Profile
Caitlin Boone
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Mathematics
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Mathematics, grades 9-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Fifth year or post-baccalaureate Noyce scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
Wake Forest University
Current academic or teaching status:
Graduate Student
School and school district:
Parkland Magnet High School, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools
Background:
I grew up just outside of Boston in Melrose, MA. After graduating high school, I studied Mathematical Sciences at Clemson University as part of the National Scholars Program. While at Clemson, I had wonderful experiences traveling abroad and participating in undergraduate mathematics research. From Clemson, I moved to North Carolina and began the journey towards becoming a high school math teacher.
Why do you want to teach:
I believe that every student can think critically and creatively about mathematics if given the right support. Teaching lets me share that belief with my students. I love watching students begin to believe in themselves.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
As part of a research project, I incorporated problem-based learning (PBL) into my lessons as a student teacher. PBL gave students with different learning styles a chance to excel in class. I remember one student, who at the time was receiving a failing grade in my class, becoming incredibly motivated and engaged during PBL. In the context of a real-world problem, he was able to make connections and develop strategies that he had missed when I used other methods of instruction. This experience was an important reminder to me as a teacher that each student has unique strengths, and that I need to vary my instruction to meet the needs of all my students.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program has supported me in my growth as a future teacher. Over the past year, as I have studied, practiced, and reflected on my own teaching, I have been able to develop my own point of view and philosophy on teaching. These experiences, along with the connections I have made through the Noyce program, will continue to shape me throughout my career.
