Noyce Scholar Profile
Skylar Folkens
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Mathematics
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Integrated Math, grades 7-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
Wittenberg University
Current academic or teaching status:
Junior (2013)
School and school district:
N/A
Background:
I was born in Cincinnati to Jeff and Becky Folkens. I have an older sister, Sarah, and a cat named Scout. At Wittenberg, I have been greatly involved in the music department through choir and voice recitals. I also enjoy going to various church services around campus and the math department colloquiums. I hope to one day teach Algebra and Calculus at a high school.
Why do you want to teach:
I have always loved helping others in school, particularly in math. I was never the best in the class, but I was able to explain what the teacher would say so that my fellow classmates could better understand the content. I also want to play my part in bettering the world we all live in, and I can achieve that by educating the next generation.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
I think the most memorable teaching experience was during a class my junior year of high school. I was in Pre-Calculus, and, as usual, we had about 15 minutes at the end of class to work on homework together. I was with my regular group of fellow classmates when I noticed a couple other groups listening in on what I was saying to my friends about the homework. My teacher asked if I could come up to the front of the room and talk to the class. So I basically taught class for 10 minutes; everyone really appreciated what I had to say. Afterwards, my teacher said that I did a good job and that she could see me becoming a math teacher. That was the first time I ever considered a career teaching math.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program is about educating children who might typically have less opportunities in the best way possible. All children are beautiful and unique in their own way and deserve to have a voice. Through the Noyce program, I can do my part in allowing children in high-needs school districts to find their voice and become their best possible self. Further, by teaching in places I may not normally teach, I will become a better teacher and learn more about myself as an individual.
