Noyce Scholar Profile
Jason Meakin
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Mathematics
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Mathematics, grades 9-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Master Teaching Fellow
Name of Noyce institution:
University of Utah, SMART Program
Current academic or teaching status:
1st year masters student
School and school district:
Co-teacher, Bingham High School
Background:
I graduated from the University of Utah with a B.S. in Mathematics. I then went on to work as a contract employee for the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT).
Why do you want to teach:
During my undergraduate studies I was a tutor and ACT prep instructor for the Upward Bound program at the University of Utah. I enjoyed working with the kids and helping them move through the college application process. In my duties at UDOT, I was able to tutor fellow employees in math subjects. These experiences reminded me how much I love to explore and share mathematics.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
During my first semester at Utah, I took an introductory teaching course where I was required to observe a high school physics class. There was one student who was sitting at the back. I tried to help him with the starter for the day, but he wouldn’t engage with me. He answered two questions and then just shut down. I was frustrated and confused that I couldn’t help this person. This experience has been a reminder that not everyone will be easy to reach. Creativity and understanding are necessary tools to develop in order to be an effective teacher, not just mastery of the subject matter.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
This program has been the support and motivation that I needed to engage in education. I was seeking a way to get back into education, and the program at Utah has made the transition back into the schools smooth and effective for me. I have been paired with an excellent mentor and feel I have a good relationship with my cohort members.
