Noyce Scholar Profile
Rosalba Esparza
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Mathematics
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Algebra 1, grade 8
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Teaching Fellow
Name of Noyce institution:
University of California Riverside
Current academic or teaching status:
First-year teacher
School and school district:
Colton Middle School
Background:
I am a recent graduate from University of California Riverside (UCR) with my B.A. in mathematics and my single subject credential. I’ve always wanted to teach, so while at UCR I enrolled in various teaching preparation programs like: CMST, EDGE, and the MATE academy. The experience I got from these programs is what prepared me for my teaching assignment. I am currently teaching 8th grade at Colton Middle School.
Why do you want to teach:
I enjoy teaching because I like working with kids and because I love mathematics. Many times people dislike math because they struggle, or they don’t understand the importance. As a teacher, it is a privilege to be able to change this preconception of math and to share the relevance and applications of mathematics in nature, art, medicine, etc.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
The first program I enrolled in at UCR was the CMST program. There is a particular lesson on the quadratic formula that I taught that stands out in my mind. I remember that I was worried because I know how hard it can be for students to memorize formulas. In the lesson I told a story that would help the students memorize the formula. The story went along with the formula, and the student really enjoyed it. After applying the formula, I had the students come up with their own story about the quadratic formula. This teaching experience showed me that any lesson can be engaging as long as it is well planned and presented. Students do not really “hate math” like many people think. Any topic, like the quadratic formula, can be taught in an engaging matter.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce Program has been a great support in this journey. The staff at UCR have worked very hard to support future teachers and to provide us with the best experience. I was privileged to have two master teachers during my credential program. I could not be teaching at this moment if it was not for the Noyce program.
