Noyce Scholar Profile

Margo McInturff
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: BS in Mathematics, MA Education
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: 7th grade math
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Fifth year or post-baccalaureate Noyce scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
Mills College
Current academic or teaching status:
1st yr teacher
School and school district:
Montera Middle School, Oakland Unified School District
Background:
I grew up in Santa Barbara, CA. Went to the University of California Davis, where I received my BS in mathematics and a minor in Education, participated in inter-mural sports and was a member and heavily involved in Alpha Chi Omega sorority. I have a passion for traveling and moved to Nashville, TN with a friend to try something new. Had an amazing experience for a year in Nashville. Moved back to California to attend Mills College, where I recently (May 2013) received my teaching credential. I will be teaching 7th grade math at Montera Middle school in Oakland, CA and hoping to finish up with my Masters in Education in two more years. In my free time I enjoy playing on a slow pitch softball team and running; I have run two half marathons this past year and hope to train for a full marathon next year.
Why do you want to teach:
I have always had a passion for working with the youth and have known from an early age that I would become an educator.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
During this past year while student teaching in a 6th grade math/science combo class the students had a project that lasted a week, where they were to come up with a skateboard design and logo using pattern blocks, which had different price values attached to each block, as well as, a company name that related to both math and skateboards. The students worked in groups of 4 and by the last day had to present their skateboard project to a few other classes. The excitement that the students expressed was incredible to see and the presentations they gave were priceless. I was beyond happy to see them enjoying math and felt like a proud parent as I watched them pitch their ideas of why their skateboard idea was the best. Words cant express the joy that the students and I had during this project.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
It is still too early within the program to have any thoughts on this question, but I did really enjoy the opportunity to meet other Noyce scholars at the conference and hear what great things they are doing as educators all over the nation.