Noyce Scholar Profile
Kayla Johnson
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Secondary Math Education
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Math, Spanish, grades 6-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
University of Northern Colorado
Current academic or teaching status:
Senior
School and school district:
University of Northern Colorado
Background:
I am twenty-two years old and a native of Colorado. When I was younger, I was a member of a dance studio and spent much of my free time there. Recently, I was fortunate to find an adult dance company to join and have been enjoying the expression of dance again. Math was always a favorite subject of mine, though school as a whole was one of my favorite things. My parents emphasized the importance of education and have supported me every day of my life, along with my brother. I am a fifth-year student at the University of Northern Colorado and look forward to the things I have yet to learn, and the things I have yet to teach others.
Why do you want to teach:
I believe everyone has the ability to change the world. I think some professions make doing this more approachable. Teaching is at the top of this list of professions. I hope to leave some good behind in the world, and teaching will be my way of doing so. The way I see it, teaching is my calling in life.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
My most memorable teaching experience would be my second day working as a math tutor. The first day was a little intimidating but by the second day I was ready to take on the task of teaching another student. The part of this day that stands out the most is the ‘aha’ moment my student had while we were working through a concept for the algebra class. The gratification I experienced from knowing I had helped another to understand a math concept they previously found difficult showed me that this was something I could do, and that it made me happy to do it as well.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program exposed me to my first student interactions as a teacher while working for a summer internship. For the first time, I was able to fulfill the role of a teacher and to establish myself as a role model in young girls’ eyes. The Noyce program has also allowed me to receive support for my dreams from people I may not even have much of a relationship with. I was chosen based on my experiences and recommendations and these alone were enough to qualify me. There are people who believe in me, without having worked with me. They’re probably just the start of the support I will receive in the future.
