Noyce Scholar Profile

Morgan Bradley
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Mathematics
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: High School Mathematics
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
University of Mississippi Noyce
Current academic or teaching status:
Senior (5th year)
School and school district:
N/A
Background:
I have always enjoyed math and the possibilities it provides. When I got to college, I knew I wanted to teach but not what to teach. Math sort of “found me” in my junior year. I had extensive experience with STEM-related extracurricular activities in high school that I hope I have the opportunity to pursue as a teacher-sponsor.
Why do you want to teach:
I enjoy teaching people things they didn’t know or understand before. When I am trying to get through difficult mathematics, there is this “Aha!” moment where you go from feeling inadequate and beat down to feeling like you can conquer the world. Giving students that struggle and then success is very rewarding.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
I observed someone who did not believe that she got anything out of her job. She was retired from the military and believed that teaching math in middle school was just a way to “pad the pension” she got. It made me realize just how desperately we need quality STEM educators.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
It has given me the chance to finish my final year of school and allows me to hopefully go on and pursue a career in education.