Noyce Scholar Profile

Courtney Jenkins
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: BA, Mathematics
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Mathematics, grades 9-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
Texas A&M University
Current academic or teaching status:
Junior
School and school district:
Hearne High School
Background:
I share my father’s passion for math and both of my parents’ passion for teaching. I have two siblings with whom I grew up in Arlington, Texas. I love Texas A&M and am so grateful to have the Noyce Program to help me pay for school.
Why do you want to teach:
I truly enjoy teaching students not only about math, but also about important life skills. It makes me feel great knowing that I make a difference.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
When I was observing at Hearne High School, one particular student would ask me for help every class. He struggled a lot in math, and it really frustrated him. One day I was explaining the material to him again after the teacher had, and I honestly could “see the light bulb click on.” The student wrote me a letter telling me thanks for all of my help and that I will make a great teacher some day.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program helps me to focus on school rather than having to worry about working to pay for school and rent. It also provides opportunities for meetings and things that I normally would not have attended.