Noyce Scholar Profile
Michelle Hillberry
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: B.S., Mathematical Sciences
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Mathematic, grades 9-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Fifth year or post-baccalaureate Noyce scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
University of California Santa Barbara
Current academic or teaching status:
High School Mathematics Teacher
School and school district:
Santa Paula High School, Santa Paula Unified School District
Background:
I grew up in the central valley of California where I went to junior college before transferring to a four-year University. I studied Mathematical Sciences as an undergraduate at University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB) and then decided to pursue a teaching credential and Master’s in Education in UCSB’s Teacher Education Program.
Why do you want to teach:
I have wanted to teach ever since my days as a student in high school AP Calculus. My professor inspired me to pursue mathematics and instilled a true love of learning about math–I am forever thankful for that experience! I know how challenging studying math can be for students, and it brings me joy to be a positive example for them as a lifelong learner and also to guide them on their journey towards mathematical ability. I also have a love for inquiry-based and collaborative learning and hope to change the experiences of my students through the use of these strategies.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
Perhaps one of my favorite moments from my first year of teaching was with my class right after the lunch period. They were feisty, but sweet, and many laughs were shared while we learned. There was one day that I referred to a student as “sassy” and discovered that the students were unfamiliar with the term. After explaining that it was an endearing way to say “cut out the back talking,” the students latched on to the phrase and even created a “Sass Crown” to bestow upon “sassy” students. The day they presented me with the “Sass Crown” is one of my most cherished memories because it reminds me that they really are listening, watching, and looking up to their teachers.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program has made it possible for me to pursue my dream of teaching as well as to have a support network of scholars, teachers, and teacher educators as I grow and develop as a professional educator.
