Noyce Scholar Profile
Tomas Diaz
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: BA Secondary Math Education; MA Secondary Math Education
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Precalculus, grade 12; undergraduates at Interamerican University of PR
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Master Teaching Fellow
Name of Noyce institution:
University of Puerto Rico
Current academic or teaching status:
Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in Mathematics Education
School and school district:
Taught (1999-2000) Second Unit School District Sanamuertos
Background:
In recent years as a teacher in the Advanced Placement Mathematics Project, I have been able to deepen understanding of concept development, teaching techniques and pedagogical approaches appropriate for the student to successfully master the concepts in depth. The ultimate professional success for me was when students in my pre-Calculus class were approved for 100% of tuition coverage for two consecutive years in Puerto Rico because of their scores on the standardized test administered by the College Board for the course in Pre-calculus.
Why do you want to teach:
I want to continue teaching math because it is a vocation and talent that I have from my youth. I would like to continue training to be able to continue teaching Mathematics at the university level and to be a teacher trainer providing workshops for teachers in Puerto Rico to build their mathematical content. As a professor of Mathematics, I strive to facilitate the process of learning mathematics for my students using the best models and teaching techniques that enable them to understand math concepts with meaning and depth. Finally, I want to continue teaching to educate and train the best Puerto Rican youth in mathematical content to compete academically and have careers related to mathematics and science in order to serve professionally in the future success of our country and society in general.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
I remember the experience of allowing students in the Advanced Placement Program to make oral presentations on concepts or skills being developed in the course. I remember the motivation of students to make their presentations. This beautiful opportunity and experience showed me the level and depth in which I taught during class periods and gave me the satisfaction that the students will use this mathematical knowledge year after year.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
For me, the Noyce Program is a professional development program that helped me earn a scholarship to become a Master Teacher of Science and Mathematics. This program is helping me become a highly competent trainer thus ensuring that I can train other math and science teachers in other districts.
