Noyce Scholar Profile
Christine Musgrove
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: mathematics
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Mathematics, grades 6-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Teaching Fellow
Name of Noyce institution:
California State University, Northridge / CSUN NSF Teaching Fellowship Program
Current academic or teaching status:
Second-year graduate student
School and school district:
San Fernando Middle School, Los Angeles Unified
Background:
I earned my BA in Pure Mathematics from California State Northridge (CSUN) in May 2009, graduating with honors. I am currently in the master’s program in Applied Mathematics and the Accelerated Credential program at CSUN. I hope to earn my credential by June 2011 and my masters shortly after.
Why do you want to teach:
I want to present math in a new way in hopes of getting students to really enjoy it and strive to learn more. I have always loved math and am naturally talented in the subject; I want to share my passion for it with my students. I think everyone is capable of learning and enjoying math, and I want to do my part in making this happen.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
This semester while student teaching, a group of my students came up to me after class one day to tell me how much fun my class is. They said that they had always hated math and had never thought they would ever get it, but that I make it fun for them and now they think it isn’t so hard. This is exactly why I want to teach, so moments like this will always stand out in my mind.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program has given me the opportunity to earn my teaching credential, which is something I have wanted to do for as long as I can remember. I was upset when I realized that I wouldn’t be able to work while getting my credential due to time restraints, but the Noyce program has made it possible. I am also thankful to have time to meet with my colleagues in the program to talk about our struggles and to give each other advice and much needed feedback.
