Noyce Scholar Profile
Luis Gamez
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Mathematics
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Mathematics, grades 7-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
Loyola Marymount University
Current academic or teaching status:
4th year
School and school district:
Field Experience at R.H Dana Middle School, Wiseburn School District
Background:
I am a 4th year senior mathematics major with secondary credential minor at Loyola Marymount University (LMU). I was born and raised in Southern California. I attended South Hills High School in West Covina. My ambition to become an educator began my freshman year in high school. LMU allowed me the opportunity to obtain my bachelor’s degree and preliminary credentials at the same time, which is one of the reasons why I chose the school.
Why do you want to teach:
Students in today’s school system face many struggles including economic issues, social issues, and neglect by educators and parents. The role of a teacher is to be a resource for all students as well as parents. My ambition is to be an educator who does not neglect students, gets to know them, and helps them to achieve an understanding of mathematics while simultaneously obtaining a genuine interest in the subject through engaged learning opportunities.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
The greatest influence for me to become an educator came from my geometry teacher in freshman year of high school. He was able to make the mathematical content easily attainable, while still showing a passion to help students. He made himself available during the day to give extra help to those students who needed assistance with either content or other personal issues. He was available an hour before school and after school, as well as during breaks and his lunch hour. This was essential because it really showed that he was willing to help students by going as far as giving up his lunch for them. This stands out in my mind because I saw that students came to really respect him as a teacher. This student-teacher respect is essential to having students want to learn. He taught me that it is the educator’s responsibility to be dedicated and hold their students responsible if they are to be successful.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The NOYCE program has been a big factor in easing the burden of university education. I have always wanted to be a teacher, and the NOYCE scholarship gave me the financial assistance to continue my education while minimizing my debt once I am done and start my teaching career.
