Noyce Scholar Profile
Alissa Ferrucci
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Mathematics Education & Mathematics
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Mathematics Grades 5-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
Hofstra University
Current academic or teaching status:
Senior
School and school district:
Tutoring at Uniondale High School; Observation at Huntington High School, The Wheatley School, and Uniondale High School
Background:
I graduated Commack High School in 2007. I am currently a Senior at Hofstra University, where I will be graduating from in May 2011. I am not only a passionate mathematics student, but I love reading and literacy as well. I look forward to teaching middle or high school mathematics in a high needs school district where I feel my talents will be most needed.
Why do you want to teach:
I want to be a secondary education mathematics teacher because I know I have the potential to do something great for the future generations of children. I am not only a strong math student, but I have excelled in many other fields throughout both high school and college. I think the most important thing my teachers exposed me to while I was in high school was the methodology behind expressing coherent thoughts in writing, researching, thinking critically, creating good study habits and performing other tasks that are prominent in college and throughout adulthood. I want to give back and teach the current generation the tips and tricks that I learned along the way; things that they might hold onto longer than the quadratic formula.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
I volunteered to tutor small groups of students at Uniondale High School during the school day in preparation for the Geometry Regents. We worked on problem solving and critical thinking techniques, and it was so rewarding to see their progress throughout the semester. Seeing how much the students appreciated my help and personal attention really solidified in my mind my desire to teach mathematics.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program has fueled my fire to teach. When I attended the Noyce Conference in Washington, DC in July 2010, I was astounded at the sheer number of teachers that wanted to teach in a high needs environment, just like me. I am confident that the Noyce program will continue to provide me with the tools I need to successfully teach students in high needs school districts.
