Noyce Scholar Profile
Naomi Evangelista
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Masters of Arts in Teaching
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Mathematics
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Master Teaching Fellow
Name of Noyce institution:
Towson University
Current academic or teaching status:
Graduate Student
School and school district:
North County High School
Background:
I am a Korean-Filipina American who has lived most of my life in Florida and has always unquestionably loved two things: people and math, hence my pursuit of a career in teaching math. I received my B.S. in Mathematics in 2006 from the University of West Florida and upon graduation, I was commissioned into the United States Air Force as a Public Affairs Officer. While in the military, I got to travel all around the world and experience various cultures but, unfortunately, I was not getting any closer to achieving my dream of teaching so I separated from the military and enrolled in the Masters of Arts in Teaching program at Towson University. I must admit that beginning my degree in education is by far one of the most fulfilling accomplishments I have undertaken, and I really can’t wait to start teaching.
Why do you want to teach:
I dare say that teaching is THE most important job achievable. It is the root of our society and the engine that propels life. Without education, I believe that our world would be filled with meaningless stuff–inconsequential, worthless, and useless stuff. However, education, both formal and informal, gives our species significance and purpose; this is why I want to be an educator. Now I should clarify that I use the term “education” very loosely. Education can be formal, like in the structured school system, but it also includes the informal style that all of us constantly experience, whether we learn from our parents, our peers, or on our own through independent research–these are all forms of education.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
Unfortunately, I cannot give a personal experience with teaching since I have yet to begin teaching, but I do recall several memorable experiences from my high school years. One that trumps them all is a teacher who taught at my high school by the name of Ms. Jo Lynn Wiley. I never actually had Ms. Wiley as a teacher but came to be very close to her because she was the sponsor for the high school’s Asian-American Student Union of which I was a member. If I ever had a best friend in high school, it was Ms. Wiley. She was such a hard working and honest person and was always very motivating, willing to listen and inspiring. Remembering our cherished experiences reminds me of the significant and powerful impact teachers can have on students, even if the student is not enrolled in their class. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity!
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
My desire is to assist our future generation in achieving their dreams and potential while a part of the school system. I believe this is a job that is worth doing, and that is why it has always been my ambition. It is incredibly unbelievable just how much of an immense impact teachers can have on the students with whom they interact. The Noyce Program is helping me achieve my goal to join fellow teachers in giving students the tools, building in them the confidence, and connecting them with the resources each student needs to make the most of their lives.
