Noyce Scholar Profile

Paige Fredericks
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Mathematics Secondary Education
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Middle school math
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
University of Northern Colorado
Current academic or teaching status:
Senior year
School and school district:
University Middle School
Background:
I was born in Livingston, New Jersey and moved to Boulder, Colorado when I was 15 months old. I have always loved doing outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. Another passion of mine is photography. Ever since my parents bought me my first camera 9 years ago, I never go anywhere with out one.
Why do you want to teach:
When I was in middle school I had an amazing math teacher that influenced my decision to become a math teacher. His love and passion for math and teaching was obvious. He was always supportive and never let anyone feel let down. I want to show students that they can achieve anything they set their minds to.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
In my junior year I was placed at Franklin Middle School working with 7th graders. One day I was helping a student that did not want to do anything that involved math because the student thought they were bad at it. I sat with the student and explained the information in a way that they understood it. The look on the students face when they understood it was priceless. The student felt accomplished and was very thankful for my patients with them.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program means everything to me. I am so honored to be recognized within such an amazing teaching organization. This program is allowing me to complete my degree without anymore financial stress. It has also brought so many more teaching opportunities than I would have ever imagined. I can’t wait to teach in a high needs school and hopefully encourage students to further their education.