Noyce Scholar Profile
Natalie Cota-Robles
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Mathematics
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Algebra, grades 7-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
University of Arizona
Current academic or teaching status:
Student teaching experience
School and school district:
Palo Verde Magnet High School
Background:
I graduated from the University of Arizona in May 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics with an emphasis in Secondary Education.
Why do you want to teach:
I enjoy challenging myself to help my students grow academically.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
During my student teaching, I was handing back exams to my 3rd period, 7th grade pre-algebra honors class. When I write their grades on the tests, I do not write the percent, only how many points they received out of the possible amount. This way, the students learn how to calculate their grade. One student was so frustrated that I did this, that he jumped out of his desk and yelled, “how do I figure out my grade?!” Needless to say, the rest of the 10 minutes of class, I taught the entire class a useful skill that they will be sure to use throughout the rest of their academic lives.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
Noyce has helped ease some of my financial burdens. I also have the support of my Noyce PI and other Noyce students whenever I may need something.
