Noyce Scholar Profile
Marcie McIntosh
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: B.S., Chemical Engineering
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Mathematics, grades 7-9
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Fifth year or post-baccalaureate Noyce scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
University of Utah
Current academic or teaching status:
Masters of Mathematics (2)
School and school district:
Salt Lake Center for Science Education
Background:
After working as a Chemical Engineer for four years, I took time off to raise 6 children. I found myself teaching chess, hands-on science, and math at my children’s schools. In addition, I tutored women returning to school. With only two children still at home, I decided I wanted to help youngsters master mathematics and pursue science careers.
Why do you want to teach:
Helping students engage in mathematical learning is one key to developing strong educated citizens. I want students to recognize the importance a mathematical understanding plays in achieving their full potential. Teaching provides an opportunity for me to share my enthusiasm for mathematics and help students transition to higher levels of logical thinking processes.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
Watching a student learn to ask questions and then find answers to their own questions is a pinnacle teaching moment. When a student not only thinks to ask probing questions, but then thinks enough to answer them, it is as if you can see the light bulb.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The biggest advantage of the Noyce program is the enhanced opportunities it provides to dialogue with experienced teachers and other novice teachers. A collaborative community is an essential framework through which excellence in teaching can be achieved.
