Noyce Scholar Profile
Ashley Mitchell
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Interdisciplinary Studies
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Math and Science, grades 4-8
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
University of Texas at Arlington
Current academic or teaching status:
Junior
School and school district:
Mary Lillard IS (Field Experience), Danny Jones MS (AVID Tutor), Bowie HS (AVID Tutor)
Background:
I am a junior in the Education Program working on my Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Texas at Arlington. In 2009, I graduated from Timberview High School and received my Associate’s Degree from Tarrant County Community College in 2011. I am the eldest of four children and currently I live and help support my family of six in Arlington, TX where we’ve been for about five years now. I’m a native of Lompoc, CA and have lived in Columbus, OH for about 2 years. I currently work as an AVID Tutor in Arlington (1 year) and Mansfield ISD (2 years), and at Six Flags over Texas (4 years). In other words, I’m a busy most weeks.
Why do you want to teach:
Mrs. Vargo in 6th grade pushed me to do better in my work. She saw that I was a bright student but needed a little nudge. I’m am so thankful for her. If she had not pushed me then I probably would be struggling in both math and language arts. Mrs. Soso, who taught college algebra, had a passion for teaching that showed very clearly to anyone who saw her teach. She took her time and cared about the students in her class. I saw how she would give extra attention to my classmates who were parents coming back to school. And I was doing the same at home with my own parents. I see the teachers that my brother and sister have, and they seem to be teaching only for the paycheck. This upsets me. Mrs. Vargo started the flame of purpose for teaching and Mrs. Soso grew the flame with passion. I want to be like Mrs. Vargo and Mrs. Soso and help guide the upcoming generation to find their purpose and passion.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
I am an AVID Tutor in both Mansfield and Arlington Independent School District, so my memorable teaching experience comes from my tutoring experience. (AVID is an educational program for middle and high school students to prepare them for college. Tutors are very important to help students succeed in the AVID program.) I was in a group one day and a student was having a problem understanding a math problem. The group members helped the student get to the answer, but he was still having trouble understanding the process. After tutorials, I went to him and helped him with the homework. When we hit the fifth problem, the student was able to do it on his own and understood the steps. He was very thankful that I took the time to help. About three weeks later, the student showed me his math test. He received a 94 which was his first A on a math test. The student had an “a ha” moment when I was helping him and was so proud of his grade. This filled me with pride and purpose. This student is a sophomore in high school now and still gives me hugs when I see him around town.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce Program has allowed me the opportunity to get into the Education program with support from the University of Texas at Arlington. Through the required seminars and meetings, I have made friends with other Noyce scholars and connections with past Noyce scholars and teachers. I feel like I am better prepared for what may come my way when I start teaching. I am completely thankful for everything that the Noyce program has done for me so far and look forward to the future.
