Noyce Scholar Profile

Kassandra Mosher
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Middle Childhood Education
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Math, Social Studies, grades 4-9
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
University of Rio Grande SEOCEMS
Current academic or teaching status:
Junior
School and school district:
Tutor at Southwestern Elementary
Background:
I am a 27-year-old student at the University of Rio Grande. I have been tutoring children in math and reading for 3 years. I enjoy doing all kinds of things, but my main interests are spending time with my family, reading, photography, and hiking.
Why do you want to teach:
My interest in teaching started when I was in high school. I was doing very poorly in Geometry and my teacher, Mrs. Lewis, offered me some extra help. I took the help, and my work and grades slowly improved until one day I just got it. I understood math in a new way after that. If it weren’t for my Geometry teacher taking the time to help me, I don’t know how I would have understood math. I want to help other students understand math in the same way. It takes a dedicated teacher to take extra time out of their day every day for a year. That is the kind of teacher I want to be.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
My most memorable teaching experience was during a Planning for Instruction class. I was so nervous to be teaching in front of my peers instead of children. It was a whole new experience for me. Nothing earth shattering happened, but I have always had trouble with public speaking unless it is in front of kids. Teaching my lessons in the class helped me get over my fear of public speaking. I believe this experience will make me a much better teacher.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
I am new to the program so the financial part is big for me, however, I am looking forward to all the networking. I am excited about the resources provided by the Noyce program, like meeting others who have been in the program and are searching for jobs or have just found jobs. It is nice to see the “coming attractions” for the years ahead.