Noyce Scholar Profile

Joseph Kyiamah
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Master's, 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:
Georgia State University-Urban Mathematics Education Program
Current academic or teaching status:
Second Year
School and school district:
Therrell School of Health Science and Research, Atlanta Public Schools
Background:
I entered Morehouse College for my undergraduate education in August 1999. There I studied computer engineering for three years until I changed my major to Philosophy with a minor in History (African American Studies). In December 2005, I graduated with a Bachelor’s in Philosophy and a minor in History and received my degree at the May 2006 commencement ceremony. I enrolled in Georgia State University in the fall of 2007 as a post baccalaureate student. The following year in June, I enrolled in the graduate TEEMS program as a candidate for a Master’s in Mathematics Education. I completed my studies at Georgia State in June 2009. I have been working in the Atlanta Public School System as a Mathematics Instructor since then.
Why do you want to teach:
I am naturally curious, and I find the greatest fulfillment in intellectual endeavors. For me, teaching has been that profession which offers the opportunity to continue learning and share new understandings and knowledge with young, responsible and able minds.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
I cannot think of a particular teaching experience, but I would say that there is always a feeling of joy that is deeply felt when both teacher and students come to new understandings in the classroom.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce Program has been a bedrock for me. It offered me the means and the necessary support system to progress through graduate school. The yearly Noyce conferences also give professionals and aspiring teachers the opportunity to meet and mingle with other teachers and to share ideas on how to operate an efficient classroom environment.