Noyce Scholar Profile
Michelle James
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Mathematics
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Mathematics- Middle/High School
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
Lehman College
Current academic or teaching status:
Upper Senior
School and school district:
James Monroe Educational Center (Internship), District:
Background:
I am currently studying at Lehman College as I aspire to become a Middle/ High School Mathematics teacher. I have a few years of teaching experience outside of the United States which has been the drive behind seeking further knowledge in this field. I also work for the NYC Department of Education as an Educational Associate.
Why do you want to teach:
I want to become a teacher because I would like to make a difference in the lives of young adults. I would like to help students to get over the fast spreading dilemma of “Mathematics Anxiety” which is the leading cause of why so many of our children are failing at this subject area. In most cases, the way you teach determine how students learn. I would also like to teach because I have a passion for seeing children succeed.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
I was teaching Mathematics to a group of high school students between the ages of 14-16. there was this child by the name of Dianna who would never participate in class. Whenever I called on her she would basically freeze and literally shrunk in her seat. However, I still tried to get Dianna to participate in class but this behaviour continued. Whenever, I gave test she would get good grades. Later on in the year I asked each student to write a journal describing their previous experiences with learning Mathematics. Through this journal writing I found out that Dianna’s fourth grade teacher had her standing at the chalkboard for almost an entire day because she couldn’t solve a math problem. This has caused Dianna to resent class participation. This stands out in my mind because unless you take the time out to know your students and their background your planning may not be meeting the needs of individual students. I take this with me in any classrtooom I enter because students are coming to your class with different experiences so its very important to take the time to know your students.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
This program means alot to me because it has given me the opportunity to continue my career in the field of math education. It has also provided the financial support that is necessary to further my education. This program provides a cohort of persons you can turn to for support, guidance and just about anything you may need.
