Noyce Scholar Profile

Jeremy Jank
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Mathematics & Computer Science
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Mathematics, grades 7-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Teaching Fellow
Name of Noyce institution:
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Current academic or teaching status:
First-year graduate student
School and school district:
Student teaching with Gary Furse, Fall 2012, Pound Middle School
Background:
My hometown is Hastings, NE. As an undergraduate, I attended Concordia University in Nebraska. Some activities I enjoy include: playing tennis, going on bike rides, watching and attending sporting events, attending fine art events, and reading the newspaper.
Why do you want to teach:
I want to teach because I see teaching as a platform to impact others’ lives in a positive way. The thought of teaching very much excites me, as all I wish to do is help young people grow and mature throughout education and in life.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
My high school calculus teacher had a profound influence on me as a student and as a person. He challenged us with problems and expected a lot of us, but was a very supportive and encouraging role model. The positive experience I had in his class really helped me to decide that I wanted to pursue a mathematics degree in college.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program has provided me the support I need to pursue my desire in becoming a mathematics teacher in a high-need school. I am very much appreciate the financial support it has provided in order to allow me to further my education in the field of math teaching. Furthermore, I am thankful for the relationships and collaboration with the other Noyce fellows and professors in the program. Finally, the opportunity to build a relationship with my outstanding cooperating teacher, Gary Furse, and observe, learn, and interact with him is a true blessing.