Noyce Scholar Profile
Sharon Gadient
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Mathematics
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Mathematics, grades 6-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Fifth year or post-baccalaureate Noyce scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
University of Missouri, SMAR2T
Current academic or teaching status:
Working on my second master's degree
School and school district:
Parkview Highschool, Springfield R-12, Springfield, MO
Background:
I was home-schooled pre-K through 12th grade. I earned my B.A. in English Writing and Mathematics at Drury University in Springfield, Mo. I went on to complete a M.A. in Mathematics at University of Missouri, Columbia. After teaching undergraduate math for a year at Mizzou, I entered the SMAR2T program at University of Missouri to become qualified to teach secondary mathematics.
Why do you want to teach:
I believe that a well-rounded education is important in the development of the individual being educated as well as the society in which they function. I have always possessed a love of learning, and enjoy sharing my knowledge with others. Although potentially challenging, I feel that a career in teaching will be very rewarding for me.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
My first semester of teaching as a graduate teaching assistant was very memorable because it was a terrifying new experience from which I learned many new things. First, I was surprised to realize that very little of the teaching process is just presenting material; I found that a teacher must work actively and proactively to manage the classroom and engage students in the learning process. I was also pleasantly surprised to learn that I can often inspire students’ curiosity to learn simply by expressing my own genuine enthusiasm. I have had other teaching experiences, and I always have something to learn from my students. However, that first graduate semester still is my most memorable, eye-opening teaching experience.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
I love to learn, and I enjoy teaching. The support offered through the Noyce program has substantially helped me progress toward my goal of becoming a better teacher through further education.
