Noyce Scholar Profile
Justin Huang
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Masters in Teaching
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Mathematics, 9-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Fifth year or post-baccalaureate Noyce scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
University of Chicago
Current academic or teaching status:
Student (entering 2nd year in Masters Program)
School and school district:
Benito Juarez Community Academy, Chicago Public Schools
Background:
I graduated from the University of Chicago with a B.A. in Sociology in 2010, but largely dedicated my last undergraduate year to mathematics.
Why do you want to teach:
I am interested in teaching for three main reasons. Firstly, I intrinsically enjoy teaching: conveying a new or difficult concept is an intellectual challenge that I find stimulating. Secondly, I enjoy mathematics and think that the public’s perception of the field is unfortunately negative. Finally, I have a strong desire to help others in any way possible and feel that teaching mathematics is the best way I can fulfill that desire.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
One of my most memorable teaching experiences was a lesson I gave on the Five Planes Problem. While it is a conceptually difficult problem, I led my students through it at what I believe was an appropriate pace without too forcefully guiding them to the solution. I think that this moment stands out most not only because I felt that it was a generally successful lesson, but also because I noticed and could appreciate how certain preparations before the lesson (e.g. predicting student questions, mapping out the board space) positively affected the instructional delivery and made the lesson go smoothly.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
As a recognition of the importance of the work I am about to engage in, the Noyce program has been a reminder of both the honor and responsibility of teaching. The program reminds me of the professional and social responsibilities involved in teaching.
