Noyce Scholar Profile
J.P. Heisel
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Mathematics
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Geometry, Algebra Two, IB Mathematics Standard Level, grades 9-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Fifth year or post-baccalaureate Noyce scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
University of Minnesota
Current academic or teaching status:
Second-year teacher
School and school district:
Patrick Henry High School, Minneapolis, MN
Background:
I am a husband, brother, son, grandson, nephew, cousin, uncle, neighbor, teacher, friend, teammate, and other nouns, who has lived in Minnesota, Illinois, Florida, Germany, and Italy. Music appreciation, athletic competition, and urban exploration are some of my favorite activities.
Why do you want to teach:
Teaching is an excellent medium for continuing my exploration of the world and sharing my passions with others.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
At the conclusion of a recent lesson, a student who had been having troubles comprehending logarithms approached me to express his joy over finally understanding the material. The best part about the day was that I receded into the background and had the students teach each other. One main focus of mine is to get out of the way whenever possible – the momentum for learning that students can create for each other is much greater than what I can do for them. This day signaled to me that I am beginning to be the teacher I want to be.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program has provided me with both the professional and financial means to explore the potentials of education. The training and mentoring provided by the Noyce program helped me successfully start my teaching career and then guided me in sustaining success throughout the challenging times. Furthermore, the financial support allowed me to place the majority of my focus on my professional development at the beginning of my teaching career.
