Noyce Scholar Profile
Jennifer Freas
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Masters in Teaching
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Mathematics, grades 6-8
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Fifth year or post-baccalaureate Noyce scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Current academic or teaching status:
I plan to graduate Fall 2012
School and school district:
n/a
Background:
Ever since I was in the 8th grade I saw myself working with teenagers. I grew up in Wilmington, NC, but I left for Boone, NC and got my undergraduate degree in 2000 from Appalachian State University in Sociology. Seven years later I decided to go back to school and that’s how I ended up at University of North Carolina, Wilmington. I originally wanted to get my licensure to teach, but when the opportunity presented itself, I decided to get my master’s in teaching with a focus on middle grades math. I plan to graduate in the fall of 2012. I am also a proud mother of a 9-year-old daughter
Why do you want to teach:
I want to engage and motivate kids in a lifetime of learning. I want them to leave my classroom knowing they are capable of making a difference in this world. I want to not only teach them math, but I want show them how it is related to the real world. I also see myself guiding them through life skills that will benefit them forever!
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
My most memorable teaching experience was with one of my tutees. I came to her half way through the class; she was not passing her quizzes and tests. She was a very hard worker, and we both sacrificed our time and energy to make the best of the situation. A few days after finals, she called me crying because she was so happy…she passed the class! I was so proud!!!
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The program has meant so much to me. I am a single mom, and this program allows me to focus on school instead of worrying about how to afford the last few classes I have left!
