Noyce Scholar Profile
Robert Emery
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: M.A.T. Mathematics
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Mathematics, grades 7-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Fifth year or post-baccalaureate Noyce scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
SUNY Cortland
Current academic or teaching status:
Graduate School 1st year
School and school district:
I am currently observing a 7th grade math class at West Hill Middle School
Background:
I am a Connecticut native, went to Maine and received my undergraduate degree in mathematics from Bates College. During that time, I spent a semester in Patagonia with NOLS, the National Outdoor Leadership School. Through NOLS and other tripping programs, I fell in love with the outdoors. After college, I entered the field of Wilderness Therapy with a program called Adirondack Leadership Expeditions. I worked for the next three years with at-risk youth, ages 13-17, on extended wilderness trips before returning to my studies at SUNY Cortland to become a teacher.
Why do you want to teach:
My time with Adirondack Leadership Expeditions fostered in me a desire to work with adolescents. I hope to take on the challenge of the least liked subject in high school with the people who like it the least.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
I don’t have any (indoor) classroom experience yet. When I think teaching, I think about teaching students how to build a fire. There is nothing like the first time a student lights a tinder bundle with no lighter or matches.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce Scholarship has meant opportunity. The chance to get through graduate school on my own terms and the autonomy to hopefully do some amazing things afterwards.
