Noyce Scholar Profile
Sierra Johnson
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Mathematics Education
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Mathematics, grades 6-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Fifth year or post-baccalaureate Noyce scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
Oregon State University
Current academic or teaching status:
Graduate Student
School and school district:
North Albany Middle School, South Albany High School, Great Albany Public Schools
Background:
I obtained my B.S. in mathematics with an emphasis on secondary education in June 2010 from Oregon State University (OSU). I am continuing my education at OSU, pursuing a Master’s of Science in Mathematics Education, as well as a teaching license.
Why do you want to teach:
I have always found mathematics to a fascinating subject, and I hope to help my students see its beauty so that they can also learn to enjoy and appreciate math.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
My student teaching at the middle school level has been such a wonderful experience. I work with students who have a wide range of abilities and are so open to exploring math. This was extremely evident when I presented students with a geometric pattern task to investigate linear growth. One student built the pattern using tiles that I made available, and he used 2 colors of tiles to distinguish between the linear growth and the constant term that remained throughout the pattern. This was a memorable moment because it really helped me understand how this student was making sense of the task, and it gave me a glimpse into his thinking process.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program has created an amazing opportunity for me to work with practicing teachers in Bend, Oregon in professional development. This opportunity is very unique, as I am invited into the classroom to witness student learning, and I am also involved in discussions with teachers “behind the scenes.”
